Reminder for the week: Wearing life jackets saves lives in boating emergencies

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 May 8-14 made 2,398 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 94 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 16 citations. Officers responded to 29 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On May 13, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed a patrol vessel and presented information on fishing and boating safety during the Boy Scout Fishing Tournament at Akridge Scout Reservation near Dover.

• On May 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed patrol vessels MP-Mike and MP-November and presented information on boating safety during a boating safety event at Vines Creek Marina near Dagsboro.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

• On May 9, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Nicholas Howe, 29, of Dover, for one count of cause or contribute to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials. The arrest was made following an investigation into a derelict vessel found abandoned in the Simons River, near Leipsic. The 18-foot vessel was partially submerged and was a hazard to navigation. Howe was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 where he pled guilty and was fined $652, including court costs. Howe was also ordered to remove the vessel from the river.

• On May 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers responded to a fatal boat accident that occurred on the Delaware River in New Castle County. The accident occurred just off shore of Penns Grove, N.J. and is still under investigation. See DNREC press release: Victim identified from Sunday’s fatal boating accident in Delaware River .

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (9), possession of undersized white perch (1), and recreational crab pot tampering (1). Commercial: Possession of undersized knobbed conch (1).

Public Safety: Improper lane change failure to signal (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2), and cause or contribute to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials (1).

Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to DNREC 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.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind spring boaters and anglers of the importance of carrying and wearing life jackets when boating on our waterways. In Delaware, life jackets are the law – and the law requires that owners/operators of recreational vessels carry one readily accessible life jacket for each person on board, and that children age 12 and younger wear a life jacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters. Minimum fine for violations is $107.

“Statistics show that where cause of death was known, 76 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket,” said Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that life jackets save lives.”

“Vessel operators are responsible to make sure that children aboard their boat are wearing life jackets – and they can set the example by also wearing one,” Lt. McDerby continued. “Although the law does not require ages 13 and older to wear a life jacket, we strongly recommend life jacket use by everyone boating in Delaware waters, especially anyone with limited swimming skills. It’s a smart choice that can prevent an unnecessary tragedy.”

Lt. McDerby added these tips:
• If you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your boat for a better chance of being found sooner.
• Keep your cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag.
• Carry a personal position locator beacon, a personal emergency locator light and/or flares, and a whistle to make noise and attract the attention of rescuers.
• Pack a set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
• 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,” Lt. McDerby said. “With your plans in hand, a friend or family member 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, including access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook, please click Delaware Boating Safety, or contact the Boating Safety Office at 302-739-9915. To download a float plan form, click here.

Contact: Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386

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