DEEP reminds boaters of risks

Recent Candlewood Lake fatality underscores local waterways safety

NEW FAIRFIELD — State officials are reminding people of the dangers of boating while intoxicated as boaters hit local waterways for the first big weekend this summer — and that safety is paramount.

One woman was already killed on Candlewood Lake this year while swimming near Squantz Cove in New Fairfield earlier this month. While the circumstances surrounding Wanda Tirado’s death have yet to be released, there are no indications

One woman was already killed on Candlewood Lake ... earlier this month

as yet that alcohol was involved.

But Gary Morrone, 65, the operator of a pontoon boat, was arrested by the the state’s Conservation Police and charged with first-degree reckless operation, failure to help a collision victim and failure to immediately notify law enforcement.

Lots of boaters are expected to hit area lakes and rivers this weekend, including Candlewood Lake where a fireworks display will be the main attraction as the sun sets on Saturday.

“The accidents and tragedies that happen because individuals chose to drive drunk or impaired, on land or on the water, are preventable,” said Mike Lambert, Department of Energy and

Environmental Protection Bureau Chief for Outdoor Recreation. “The decision lies with the individual on whether they chose to operate a boat or vehicle while under the influence.”

The state DEEP, along with the Candlewood Lake Authority, are working to inform boaters about safe boating practices as part of the Operation Dry Water campaign. The campaign focuses on the importance of boating while sober and the enforcement of boating under the influence laws.

The department’s Environmental Conservation Police want to remind everyone that boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal, according to the statement. Operating a vehicle or boat with a BAC level of 0.08 or higher is illegal.

Boating while under the influence of alcohol is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths, and a key factor of accidents, according to 2017 statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard.

According to the DEEP, there have been more than 20 accidents on Candlewood Lake that were reported to state authorities in the past three years.

Regarding the latest fatality, police said Tirado, 38, who taught math and science at a private school in Waterbury, had been a passenger on Morrone’s boat prior to the incident. What relationship Tirado had with Morrone wasn’t disclosed.

Authorities said Friday that Tirado’s death remains under investigation.