Friday, June 4, 2010
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Annapolis, MD- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) observed a successful Memorial Day weekend as the number of alcohol-related incidents on public lands and waterways dropped by 62 percent, from 60 in 2009 to 23 last weekend. The number of people arrested for operating a vessel while under the influence dropped from 16 last year to nine this year.
"New polices and public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence contributed to fewer alcohol-related incidents this year," said Colonel George F. Johnson IV, NRP Superintendent.
NRP also unveiled a new initiative, "Be Cool, Wear It," to increase awareness of recent legislation that makes it mandatory for children under the age of 13 to wear life jackets while on a vessel under 21 feet in length and underway. During this promotion, which will continue throughout the summer, officers will be giving away coupons for a free Rita's Italian Ice to any child wearing a life jacket.
"We hope that wearing a life jacket while boating becomes as ingrained as wearing a seatbelt is among drivers of automobiles," said Colonel Johnson.
Last year Maryland had 17 boating fatalities, and 16 of the victims were not wearing life jackets. NRP reminds boaters that wearing a life jacket is the single most important tool in preventing boating deaths.
"New polices and public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence contributed to fewer alcohol-related incidents this year," said Colonel George F. Johnson IV, NRP Superintendent.
NRP also unveiled a new initiative, "Be Cool, Wear It," to increase awareness of recent legislation that makes it mandatory for children under the age of 13 to wear life jackets while on a vessel under 21 feet in length and underway. During this promotion, which will continue throughout the summer, officers will be giving away coupons for a free Rita's Italian Ice to any child wearing a life jacket.
"We hope that wearing a life jacket while boating becomes as ingrained as wearing a seatbelt is among drivers of automobiles," said Colonel Johnson.
Last year Maryland had 17 boating fatalities, and 16 of the victims were not wearing life jackets. NRP reminds boaters that wearing a life jacket is the single most important tool in preventing boating deaths.
Contact:
Sgt. A.A. Windemuth 410-260-8850 office 410-713-8449 cell or awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us
Sgt. A.A. Windemuth 410-260-8850 office 410-713-8449 cell or awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us
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