{"id":41591,"date":"2024-05-23T11:57:31","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T15:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=41591"},"modified":"2024-05-24T12:39:24","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T16:39:24","slug":"marylanders-urged-to-follow-safe-boating-practices-as-waters-warm-holiday-weekend-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2024\/05\/23\/marylanders-urged-to-follow-safe-boating-practices-as-waters-warm-holiday-weekend-approaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Marylanders Urged to Follow Safe Boating Practices As Waters Warm, Holiday Weekend Approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Maryland

Maryland Natural Resources Police officers patrol the Severn River. Department of Natural Resources photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

As Marylanders become much more active on the state\u2019s waterways, Maryland\u2019s Natural Resources Police is reminding waterway users to understand the state\u2019s boating laws and safety requirements. All boaters, paddlers, swimmers, and others should take steps to ensure their safety before heading out on the water.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Maryland recorded 123 boating accidents, including 43 with injuries and 11 that were fatal. In four of the past five years, double-digit fatal boating accidents were reported, and more than 90 percent of victims were not wearing a life jacket.<\/p>\n

Throughout the season, Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers will be out patrolling the state\u2019s waterways for unsafe, negligent, and impaired boating.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeeping people safe on and around the water is one of the most important priorities of the Maryland Natural Resources Police,\u201d NRP Superintendent Orlando D. Lilly said. \u201cBoating is fun for all ages and a great way to enjoy our state\u2019s natural resources. However, we want to remind boaters to wear a life jacket and refrain from drinking while operating boats or other watercraft to keep yourself and others safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Life

Life jackets come in a variety of sizes and styles; it’s important to find the right fit to stay safe and compliant with Maryland’s law. Department of Natural Resources photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

Boaters can protect themselves on the water by wearing life jackets that fit properly, avoiding alcohol or other intoxicants, and following speed and navigation rules.<\/p>\n

Alcohol use is a leading cause of recreational boater deaths, as impairment can cause a lapse in judgment, reaction time, balance, and vision. Groups heading out on the water should designate a \u201csober skipper\u201d \u2013 or an operator tasked with staying sober while operating a vessel.<\/p>\n

Also important to remember is that bow riding, or sitting on the edge of a moving boat, is dangerous and against the law in Maryland — always ride inside<\/a>\u00a0the boat.<\/p>\n

Here are some helpful tips for boaters to \u201cknow before you go\u201d:<\/p>\n