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Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland Natural Resources Police Launch Aggressive Enforcement Operation for Holiday Weekend
ANNAPOLIS — July has historically been the month of the greatest number of boating accidents both in Maryland and nationwide. In an effort to educate boaters and keep the boating public safe, the Natural Resources Police (NRP) today announced they will increase their presence on Maryland waterways and parks this Fourth of July weekend.

Operation Firecracker will aggressively target boaters operating in a reckless or negligent manner and/or under the influence of alcohol on the waterways. It will also focus on boaters not maintaining a proper lookout and not having the required safety equipment onboard. Meanwhile, patrols in the parks and forests will target underage alcohol possession and individuals driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as the use of illegal fireworks and other criminal activity.

Last year there were 191 boat accidents reported around the state, 51 of which occurred in the month of July. Over the first five months of 2004, there were 29 boat accidents with 16 injuries and five fatalities. Three of those accidents involved alcohol. The first five months of this year there have been 23 boat accidents with 12 injuries and four fatalities. Boaters are reminded to report unsafe activity or emergencies to the NRP at 1-800-628-9944.

Above all, boaters are asked to always wear a life jacket and to avoid operating a vessel after drinking alcohol. Boater awareness is critical to safety -- when out on the state’s waterways, be aware of:

  1. Your ability to operate a vessel. The sun, wind and sea conditions as well as the consumption of alcohol cause fatigue and ultimately limit a person’s ability to operate a vessel safely.
  2. The capabilities of the vessel. Vessels respond differently, just like vehicles.
  3. Weather conditions. Review weather advisories before embarking on any boat trip, and be aware that weather conditions can change without warning. Don’t try to outsmart Mother Nature.
  4. Maryland boating laws. Pay attention to all signs and speed limits, safety equipment and distance requirements.
  5. Your physical surroundings and how they relate to other boaters. Boat operators are responsible for the safety of their passengers.

Citizens enjoying Maryland's state parks this holiday weekend can do their part by being respectful and mindful of not only their surroundings, but also other park visitors. Park goers alone can help keep these natural and historical resources pristine by observing the following:

  1. Follow the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics. In other words, Pack it in, pack it out!
  2. Fires are permitted in the fire rings or grills provided. Fires must be attended at all times.
  3. While driving in the parks, please watch out for pedestrians and wildlife. Drive gently!
  4. Children under 16 years of age must wear helmets when operating bicycles, in-line skates, scooters and skateboards.
  5. Report any problems to a park employee or in case of an emergency, call 1-800-628-9944.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 285 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.

June 29, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov