Reminder for the week: Boaters advised to use caution in bad weather, carry safety items

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Sept. 26-Oct. 2 made 1,226 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 24 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 39 complaints and issued 21 citations, two of which were related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

Incidents of note:
• On Oct. 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited two Millsboro men in connection with a complaint about trespassing on a property adjoining the Ingrams Pond public boat ramp parking lot near Millsboro. Thomas B. Phillips, 53, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and third degree criminal trespass; Dylon H. Phillips, 45, was charged with third degree criminal trespass. Both were released pending a mandatory appearance in Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown.

• On Sept. 30, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Ronald K. Poulin, 49, of Townsend, for criminal impersonation after repeatedly giving officers false names during a routine investigation at the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area near Smyrna. Poulin was taken into custody on a $10,000 secured bond out of New Castle County Family Court and transported to Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover. He was later released after posting bail.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlerless deer (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2), and operating a motor vehicle off established roadways in a state wildlife area (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2), possession of undersized blue crabs (5), possession of undersized striped bass (2), and possession of undersized white perch (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a vessel (1), and operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (1).

Public Safety: Criminal impersonation (1), third degree criminal trespass (2), possession of drug paraphernalia (1), and failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (1)*.

*Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
With hurricane season bringing the potential for high tides and winds to Delaware’s waterways, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police offer some fall boating safety tips.

“Fall typically brings some beautiful days for boating, but boaters should always check the forecast before heading out on the waterways, as the weather can change quickly even on what starts out as a nice day,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “On an obviously stormy day, recreational boaters must always consider the risks before going out. Not only are you putting yourself and your passengers at risk, but you unnecessarily put the lives of first responders at risk if you need assistance when you shouldn’t have been on the water in the first place.”

Also, in the event of predicted severe weather, recreational boaters are advised to secure their vessels well in advance of the rain and wind. “Do not wait until the middle of a storm to pull your vessel from the water,” Sgt. McDerby said. “Again, a boat that’s broken away from its moorings puts you as well as any rescuers at risk.”

Sgt. McDerby also recommended that boaters carry safety items, including:
• Lifejackets, worn by everyone on board, especially non-swimmers in all seasons; Delaware law requires that all children 12 years old and younger aboard a vessel wear a lifejacket while underway;
• Blankets to stay warm on board while awaiting rescue;
• Multiple means of communication: a fully-charged cell phone and a marine radio; and
• Items to attract the attention of rescuers: a whistle, a personal position locator beacon (PLB), a personal emergency locator light and/or flares, all kept in waterproof containers, ideally in immersion suit pockets and appropriately secured with a lanyard.

Boat operators also should spend some time on vessel preparations and maintenance to help prevent breakdowns on the water, including checking fuel levels before heading out. Here are some additional tips from Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety and Education:
• Check your vessel’s capacity plate for maximum weight to avoid overloading, which can lead to possible capsizing; hunting parties are reminded to include the weight of their gear.
• Keep your cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag.
• Pack a set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
• If you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your boat for a better chance of being found sooner.
• Keep clothing on to help retain heat.
• File a “float plan” with a responsible friend or family member. Include a description of your boat, when you plan to head out, who is going with you, where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

“Filing a float plan is always a good idea, because unforeseen circumstances can hit boaters in any season at any time, including a storm, engine problems, swamping and injuries or other health issues,” Sgt. McDerby said. “With your plans in a friend’s or family member’s hands, they can call for help if you’re overdue and tell searchers where to begin looking for you, saving precious time.”

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware_Boating_Safety on the Division of Fish & Wildlife website. For an easy-to-use float plan, visit USCG Float Plan.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at http://de.gov/ogt.

Like Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Media contact: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 341

-30-

Print