City Islanders continue push for increased NYPD harbor patrol

With summer now in full swing, City Island community members and elected officials renewed their call for a permanent harbor patrol for the area.

The Bronx is the only borough without a dedicated NYPD harbor patrol, according to John Sheridan, chairman of the Water Safety Committee of the City Island Civic Association.  

Sheridan explained that the NYPD operates a summer-season Orchard Beach patrol from about noon to 8 p.m. daily, but it comes from Queens and is not specifically dedicated to the Bronx. It also cannot address late-night partying — loud music and high speeds — that is concerning to Sheridan and others. More than a nuisance, the island has seen at least two recent fatalities from accidents as the popularity of recreational boating and jet skiing soared.

The NYPD did not respond to requests to confirm the patrols currently in place.

Sheridan said this is his seventh summer lobbying for change. He is again worried about “concert-level” loud music and racing jet skis, especially after dark.

Some elected officials have supported the cause, including City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez and state Assemblymember Michael Benedetto. Community Board 10, which covers City Island, Pelham Bay, Co-op City and Throggs Neck, has also prioritized it in their District Needs Statement. 

But this summer, the status quo remains.

Benedetto told the Bronx Times that in the waters around City Island, “Any protection [from law enforcement ] is arbitrary and once in a while.” 

“Orchard Beach is, you know, the Bronx Riviera,” Benedetto said. “It’s one of our pride and joys. And you’re saying, ‘Come enjoy, but by the way, you’re gonna risk your life doing it.’ No, that’s wrong. We should have proper patrols in the area.”

In an email statement to the Bronx Times, Velázquez said that she has been working on the issue as well: “Splitting the current patrol seasonally between the Bronx and Queens, both of which have heavy…