Bucco to introduce ‘Carlo’s Law’ to improve paddleboard safety after Morris County deaths
NEW JERSEY — State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco plans to introduce legislation aimed at improving paddleboard safety in New Jersey following recent deaths involving paddleboarders in Morris County.
The proposed legislation, called “Carlo’s Law,” would require paddleboard rental businesses to provide renters with a safety tether and guidance from the New Jersey State Police on how to properly use the equipment in different water conditions.
Rental businesses would also be required to regularly inspect and maintain the safety tethers they provide.
“My heart goes out to the families who are grieving these tragic losses,” said Sen. Bucco. “Carlo’s Law grew out of another family’s unimaginable heartbreak. His family wanted to turn that loss into something that could help protect others, and I hope this legislation can honor his memory by giving paddleboarders the information and safety equipment they need to come home safely.”
Bucco’s announcement follows two separate paddleboarding-related deaths in Morris County.
Jonathan Gresseau, 23, of Netcong, was found dead in Tilcon Lake in Mount Olive Township after authorities said he fell into the water while paddleboarding with a group of adults. Gresseau had been reported missing around 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and was found around 11 a.m. the following day.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office said paddleboarding is not permitted on Tilcon Lake.
Hours later, Kaushik Sharma, 41, of Edison, was found dead in Lake Hopatcong at Hopatcong State Park in Roxbury Township.
Authorities were alerted around 2:30 p.m. after bystanders spotted an unattended paddleboard and notified a beach lifeguard. Sharma was found in the water around 7 p.m. following a multiagency search.
Authorities believe Sharma had been paddleboarding in an area of the beach that was not supervised by lifeguards.
Under Bucco’s proposed legislation, State Police guidance would explain the proper use of a tether, the types of tethers appropriate for different water conditions and potential risks associated with improper use.
The legislation would also specify that a safety tether does not replace any required personal flotation device.
Bucco, a Republican representing portions of Morris and Passaic counties, plans to formally introduce the legislation during the Senate’s next quorum call, likely in September.
