The Atlantic Steamer Fire Company has new lifesaving and rescue tools to use this year - two Kawasaki STX - 15F Jet Ski watercraft.

The 2005 Jet Ski watercraft, which were provided by Jet Sport Kawasaki in Huntington Station, will enable water rescue personnel to reach distressed boaters and swimmers and respond to other water emergencies.

Water Rescue Captain Robert Walles says, "The Atlantic Streamer Fire Co. protects the hamlet of Oyster Bay as well as the communities of Mill Neck, Cove Neck, Laurel Hollow, and Oyster Bay Cove. The two Jet Ski watercraft will enable us to respond more quickly to any emergency situation that may rise in the area of Oyster Bay Harbor. As I am sure you are aware, time is of the essence in our business."

The STX-15F watercraft is powered by a 1,497cc four-stroke engine that meets the California Air Resources Board 2008 emissions requirements, the most stringent marine engine emissions regulations in the US boating industry. Other advanced technological features of this Jet Ski watercraft include greatly increased fuel economy, Smart Steering, a quieter exhaust sound, and a long and wide, comfortable seat that holds up to three people. The craft's extra-stable hull and automatically retracting step make boarding easy, even in deep water.

"These Jet Ski watercraft are ideally suited to rescue situations," said Roger Hagie, director of public affairs for Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA. "They're quick and maneuverable, and they have no exposed propellers or other moving parts on the outside of the hull that could harm a swimmer. In addition, Jet Ski watercraft have a very shallow draft, which enables them to operate in low levels of water that might restrict other boats. We hope Jet Ski watercraft can make a significant contribution to water safety in Oyster Bay and the surrounding areas in the coming months."

Following successful use of Jet Ski watercraft by life-saving and marine enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, implemented an ongoing loan program that allows Kawasaki dealers to provide watercraft to qualified agencies across the country for periods of up to one year. Jet Sports Kawasaki arranged this loan and will service the vessel during the loan period.

This year marks the 16th anniversary of Kawasaki's law enforcement loan program. Since the program's inception in 1989, approximately 1435 individual agencies in all 50 states have borrowed in excess of 5,200 Jet Ski watercraft, valued at more than $32 million. Statistical surveys completed by past agencies show that each season hundreds of lives are saved by the use of the loaned watercraft.

Jet Ski is the registered trademark of Kawasaki's brand of personal watercraft. Personal watercraft are vessels that are powered by a water jet pump and carry between one and three passengers who sit, stand or kneel on (rather than inside) the vessel's hull.