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Posts Tagged ‘Boating Safety’

   

Spanish-Language Outreach on Safety and Stewardship Expands Access, Earns National Recognition

For many years, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized a disparity in relating laws, regulations, and safety information to one of the fastest-growing communities enjoying the outdoors. Spanish-speaking residents faced multiple barriers to access at the parks, particularly with customer service and community programming. In 2016, DNR launched its program, Es Mi Parque  Read the Rest…


Maryland NRP Officers Recognized for Enforcement of Impaired Boating Laws

Two Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers are nominated by department leadership for national recognition for their work enforcing impaired boating laws this summer. During Independence Day weekend, Natural Resources Police took part in the national Operation Dry Water heightened enforcement effort. From July 4-6, NRP officers made nine Operating While Under the Influence of  Read the Rest…


Record $21.5 Million in Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards go to Public Boating Access, Navigable Waterways, and Safety

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide $21.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund allocations to communities and projects throughout Maryland in Fiscal Year 2025, which began July 1.  The funds will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other  Read the Rest…


Boating Accidents Trend Down, Arrests Up During Operation Dry Water 2024

Newly enacted ‘Nick’s Law’ increases penalties for boating while impaired The Maryland Natural Resources Police reported a statistically safer weekend than years past during the July 4 weekend this year. Despite being the busiest boating holiday, no boating fatalities were recorded on Independence Day weekend. Nine boating accidents occurred on Maryland’s waterways, down from 12  Read the Rest…



Natural Resources Police Conducting ‘Operation Dry Water’ to Combat Boating Under the Influence

Boaters should expect increased patrols and vessel checks This holiday weekend, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) anticipates more boaters on the water, and subsequently an increase in boating incidents and fatalities. Because of the high volume of activity during the July 4 holiday, it’s statistically one of the most dangerous times on Maryland’s waterways. Boating  Read the Rest…


Marylanders Urged to Follow Safe Boating Practices As Waters Warm, Holiday Weekend Approaches

As Marylanders become much more active on the state’s waterways, Maryland’s Natural Resources Police is reminding waterway users to understand the state’s boating laws and safety requirements. All boaters, paddlers, swimmers, and others should take steps to ensure their safety before heading out on the water. In 2023, Maryland recorded 123 boating accidents, including 43  Read the Rest…




Governor Moore Announces $13.5 Million in Maryland Waterway Improvement Funds

Projects Funded Statewide for New and Improved Public Boating Access, Waterway Dredging, and Safety Equipment Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Funds. The funds will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways, emergency vessels and equipment  Read the Rest…


The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Gears Up for National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26

Natural Resources Police and Partners Remind All that Life Jackets Save Lives As boating season kicks into high gear, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is encouraging all waterway users – whether boating, kayaking, swimming, or fishing – to take proper precautions on the water. The department and its partners will provide opportunities to promote  Read the Rest…




Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards $13.5 Million for FY2023

Projects Funded Statewide for New and Improved Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities, and navigation throughout the state. This funding is awarded to 45 applicants statewide, supporting efforts that include new public boating  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message – June 2022

By Land and Water, Maryland is Ready for the Summer June is Great Outdoors Month and we hope to see you out enjoying Maryland’s natural spaces, including our vast system of state parks and forests, and of course the state’s world-renowned waterways.  This is peak season for one of Maryland’s favorite pastimes, fishing, from the  Read the Rest…






Governor Hogan Announces $13.5 Million in Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards

Funding for 60 Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety Projects in 19 Counties Governor Larry Hogan today announced $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2022 to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities, and navigation throughout the state.  “Boating is not just an important part of our history and our culture, it  Read the Rest…



Secretary’s Message – May 2021

May in Maryland – Time for Boats, Birds, and Cicadas!  Spring weather means boating season — and I am among the thousands of Marylanders eager to get out on the water. Heavy traffic is expected again on our waterways as outdoor recreation continues to increase. Keep an eye out for our boater safety reminders this  Read the Rest…


May is Boating Safety Month

Maryland’s Waterway Users Get Ready Maryland’s boating season is on the horizon, and the Maryland Natural Resources Police is encouraging Marylanders to take proper precautions to ensure waterway safety.  In 2020, Maryland had 155 reportable boating accidents; 64 of those accidents caused injuries and six were fatal, resulting in a total seven deaths. These numbers  Read the Rest…



DNR In-Person Safety Education and Certification Classes Will Resume

Safety Protocols Must Be Followed for Boating, Hunting, and Trapping Courses Beginning in August and September, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will resume in-person safety education and certification classes. For all classes, face coverings and social distancing will be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and assure the safety of students and instructors. Online  Read the Rest…




Maryland Honors National Safe Boating Week

Safety is Essential as Boating Season Ramps Up In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2020, Maryland Natural Resources Police recommend boaters not only follow safe boating practices, but continue following updated guidance for social distancing and outdoor recreation to protect themselves against COVID-19 transmission.  Following the governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the state  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message: October 2019

Taking The Lead on Protecting Our Natural Resources I recently had the honor of swearing in Colonel G. Adrian Baker as the new Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Colonel Baker has an impressive track record and a wealth of relevant experience – both of which will serve the department and Maryland well. The  Read the Rest…


Fourth of July Weekend Sees Boating Incidents Decrease

Natural Resources Police Vigilance and Education Yields Results Maryland Natural Resources Police stayed busy with heightened vigilance during the holiday weekend July 4-7, and are pleased to report a significant reduction of serious boating incidents. During one of Maryland’s busiest times on the waterways, officers were out to prevent unsafe boating, conducting 1,860 boat safety  Read the Rest…


Operation DryWater Underway to Keep Boaters Sober

Aiming to keep our waterways safe this holiday weekend, Maryland Natural Resources Police will again join the nationwide effort by local, state, and federal agencies in the tenth annual Operation DryWater. Officers will be on the water providing heightened enforcement and awareness about the dangers of drinking while boating. Boating under the influence continues to  Read the Rest…



Wear Your Life Jacket to Work May 17

Department Shows Marylanders How to Save Lives The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proud to once again participate in National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 17. Anyone driving along Taylor Avenue in Annapolis between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. will see many department staffers suited-up with various styles of  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message: May 2019

Boating Safety is a Way of Life in Maryland As an avid boater, I am very appreciative that Maryland’s boating season is (finally) underway. And as the daughter of a boat builder and the wife of a former merchant marine, the importance of boater safety has been instilled in me throughout my life.  I want  Read the Rest…




Pocomoke River State Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary

All-Day Celebration Sept. 30 Features Outdoor Events and Open House The Maryland Department of Natural Resources proudly celebrates the golden anniversary of Pocomoke River State Park. Marylanders are invited Sept. 30 to take part in the story of this unique state park — boasting America’s northernmost cypress trees, a blackwater river darkened by fallen cypress needles and a Maryland  Read the Rest…


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