The law requires that people renting pontoon boats complete safety instructions
Christopher D'Amico Jr. (Submitted photo) TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday signed "Christopher's Law," a boating safety measure named in honor of 10-year-old Christopher D'Amico Jr. of Mount Arlington, who was killed in a pontoon boating accident last June on Lake Hopatcong.
Under the recently passed law, sponsored by Sen. Anthony R. Bucco (R-Morris), pontoon renters must complete pre-rental safety instructions before setting sail.
The law also requires the owner of a pontoon rental business to alert customers to the dangers of operating the water vessel, by posting a large metallic sign that reads, "Warning: Rotating propellors can cause serious injury or death." The sign must be prominently placed at the entrance to the rental business.
The boy's father, Christopher D'Amico Sr., was driving a rental pontoon boat on Lake Hopatcong in the area of Byram Cove with his 10-year-old son and another juvenile relative when his son fell in the water, authorities said.
Christopher D'Amico Jr. suffered a head injury after he was struck by the boat rented by his father, authorities said. The boy was flown by medical helicopter to Morristown Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
"Less than a year ago, our community suffered a heartbreaking loss, and yet out of that tragedy has emerged a legacy that includes Christopher's Law -- my lifesaving legislation that will prevent countless fatal pontoon boating accidents for years to come," Bucco said in a statement.
He added, "I am incredibly grateful to Christopher's family for their invaluable input and unwavering support of this lifesaving bill."
Eight children benefitted from organs donated by Christopher's famiily. Bucco added, "We worked together to make sure his legacy of compassion and courage is never forgotten."
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