State Forest and Park Service Reminds Park Visitors to Have A Fun, But Safe Holiday Weekend
ANNAPOLIS, MD — With swimming available at 16 state parks, and thousands of visitors expected for the holiday weekend, the Maryland State Forest and Park Service would like to remind visitors of four basic rules to follow to minimize chances of problems, and to fully enjoy a weekend of swimming and fun in Maryland’s state forests and parks:
- Parents should watch their children at all times.
- Use the “buddy” system and never swim alone.
- Use of proper life jackets, or personal flotation devices; especially proper-fitting for children.
- Wear protective sunscreen or sunblock to reduce chances for sunburn.
In 2003 145,000 people visited Maryland state parks on Memorial Day; weekend and crowds are anticipated to be even greater this year.
Maryland’s state parks allow swimming at 6 parks with lakes – Herrington Manor, Cunningham Falls, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, New Germany, and Rocky Gap State Parks. Two parks have swimming pools – Dans Mountain and Pocomoke State Parks. There are beaches at Assateaque, Elk Neck, Greenwell, Gunpowder falls, Hart-Miller Island, Janes Island, Point Lookout, and Sandy Point State Parks.
At Greenbrier State Park in Washington County, one third of the visitors are non-English speaking Latin Americans and the park has posted signage in Spanish and has a taped public address system announcement in Spanish so non-English speaking families can hear important safety messages.
Posted May 28, 2004