Meet Baba Booey at the 110th New York Boat Show

Better known as Baba Booey on the “Howard Stern Show,” executive producer Gary Dell’Abate makes an appearance this week at the Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show to help spread the word about boat and towing safety.

From 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dell’Abate will be greeting fans and signing photographs to support the Emily Catherine Fedorko Foundation (a nonprofit honoring the life of a 16-year-old who passed away in a tubing accident in 2014).

We spoke to the popular radio personality about the charity’s drive to improve water safety:

What’s the mission of the Emily Catherine Fedorko Foundation?

Our mission is to spread awareness of boating and water sport safety for adults and children, specifically in regard to towing and on-the-water training.Many people buy a boat and immediately want to go out and have fun. Everyone could benefit from more education.

How didyou get involved?

My family has known the Fedorkos for over 20 years. They are very dear friends. Our kids grew up together. This tragic accident affected the entire community. When the Fedorkos created a foundation in Emily’s memory, I knew we needed to be part of it.I’ll be signing photos at the boat show. I’m hoping our fans will stop by and hear our story.

Why did the foundation partner with the boat show?

We found out that their primary mission is education, so it was a perfect fit. They offered us the opportunity to attend and get our message out. Hopefully we’ll be talking to a lot of new boaters, as well as reminding longtime boaters about staying safe.

What’s the greatest myth about water safety?

Owning a boat looks like a lot of fun. And it is. But it also comes with great responsibility. There are so many different ways to tow these days: water skis, wake boards, tubes. We just want to make sure that everyone understands the procedures you need to follow for a safe and fun outing.

What’s the best way for the general public to support the foundation?

The foundation has created a beautiful bracelet in Emily’s memory. We’ll be selling these at the boat show, and it’s also available online at www.emsway.org. We’ll be using the proceeds [to further] our mission to educate.