NRP Urges Boating Safety as Striped Bass Season Kicks Off

While Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the boating season, thousands of Maryland anglers will get a jump on water activities Saturday with the opening of catch-and-keep striped bass season.

Maryland Natural Resources Police urges anglers to conduct a safety check of their boats before heading out Saturday.

“For many anglers, this will be the first time splashing their boats for the season and in their excitement to wet a line, they may overlook some things that will keep them out of harm’s way,” said Col. George F. Johnson IV, superintendent of NRP. “We urge everyone to take 15 minutes or so to do a stem-to-stern equipment check. If you get stopped on the water, our officers will conduct a safety inspection and may issue a citation or require you to return to shore.”

Last year, NRP officers investigated 23 water-related fatalities, 17 of them involving boats. That compares to 14 boating fatalities in 2013.

Water remains cold, and an accident can quickly incapacitate someone who has fallen overboard. Wearing a life jacket can provide some insulation and warmth while also giving rescuers valuable minutes to reach a victim.

Nationally, nearly 85 percent of all drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

“People think that in an accident they will have time to grab their life jacket and put it on. In reality, bad things often happen in the blink of an eye. And once you’re in the water, it may be too late,” said Johnson.  “Life jackets only work when you wear them.”

NRP officers who find boaters without life jackets, with an insufficient number of life jackets or damaged life jackets will issue a citation to the operator and order the boat to return to shore. The maximum penalty for failing to have a sufficient number and appropriate style of life jacket aboard is $500.

• Tell a responsible friend or relative where you are going and when you plan to return, and make sure they have a complete description of your vessel.

• Check the weather forecast and be ready to change plans if deteriorating conditions are predicted.

• Have a horn, bell or whistle aboard to signal for help and a set of flares to mark your position at night.

• Check to see that the vessel’s fire extinguisher is charged and easily accessible. Test the navigational lights to ensure the wiring is sound and the bulbs light.

• Carry a cell phone in a waterproof container and if you have a marine radio, monitor VHF Channel 16.

A full checklist is at http://dnr2.maryland.gov/boating/Documents/md_req_equip.pdf.

Also remember that boat operators born on or after July 1, 1972 must have a Maryland Boating Education Certificate.

Children under 13 years of age must wear a lifejacket while underway on a vessel under 21 feet in length. In addition, children under 4 years old must wear a lifejacket equipped with a grab strap, inflatable headrest and crotch strap.