Boating tips to stay safe on the water

Police remind people to wear life vests, be vigilant

Published  2:05 PM EDT Jul 02, 2013

The Independence Day holiday is a big boating day in Maryland, so Natural Resources Police are reminding people how to stay safe on the water.

"On the Fourth of July, they're ready to roll. (Boaters) have been out a few times. That's our busiest weekend statewide," said NRP Sgt. Brian Albert.

Police said before boater hit the throttle, they should make sure there's a designated sober driver if there's alcohol on board. Know the rules of the water, like keeping a safe distance from other vessels, and always wearing a life jacket, especially if going for a dip in the water.

"You're not in the pool. You're in the water where you can't see the bottom, you can't see the current. So, a life jacket is really important," said boating education coordinator Julie Brown.

If someone does go overboard or gets in trouble in the water, police said don't jump in after them. Instead, remember the "reach, throw, row and go" procedure. First, get low to the ground and try to reach for the person in the water using a paddle or pole, or a stick if you can find one. If that doesn't work, throw them something like a life ring, rope, cooler or beach ball to give them something to hang onto until help arrives.

"If that's not available, the next option is to row. Maybe you have a canoe nearby or a boat that you can row out to the person and rescue them that way," Brown said. "The last option is to go for help. Do not go in the water. You go and you run for help. You scream and you holler and you get people's attention so they can come and assist you."

Natural Resources Police said they'll be out in full force over the holiday weekend from Deep Creek Lake to Ocean City patrolling the waters. With six boating related deaths already this year, they're hoping to prevent anyone else from becoming a victim.

"Especially if you're on a float trip or even if you're going out for the day on the Chesapeake Bay, make sure that someone knows where you're at, and wear your life jackets -- that's the biggest thing," Albert said.

He said with the help of those tips, he hopes everyone will have a fun but safe Independence Day.  

Do you want to print this page now?