NEWS FEED

Tag-A-Palooza 2024
Date Posted: October 24, 2024

Office of the Marijuana Commissioner: Licensing Lottery
Date Posted: October 23, 2024

New Housing Vouchers for Delaware Families
Date Posted: October 21, 2024

Piping Plover Population in Delaware Experiences Slight Decline, Offset by Higher Nesting Success
Date Posted: October 21, 2024

National Slow Down Move Over Day Observed as Delaware Sees Near Record Crashes
Date Posted: October 18, 2024

Delaware Officials Unveil New Sign to Celebrate Delaware’s Agricultural Lands Preservation Program
Date Posted: October 17, 2024

Colonial Teacher Named Delaware 2025 Teacher of the Year
Date Posted: October 15, 2024

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags
Date Posted: October 15, 2024

Delaware Faces Dry Conditions: Open Burning Ban Issued, Water Conservation Urged
Date Posted: October 15, 2024

Burning Ban
Date Posted: October 15, 2024

DelDOT Announces 4th Annual Name That Plow Contest
Date Posted: October 15, 2024

Potassium Iodide Distribution on October 24 in Townsend
Date Posted: October 15, 2024

DPH Releases Latest Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in Delaware
Date Posted: October 14, 2024

Navarro Announces Eighth Consecutive Workers’ Comp Rate Decrease
Date Posted: October 14, 2024

Governor Carney Statement on Honorable James T. Vaughn, Jr.’s Passing
Date Posted: October 11, 2024

Delaware Celebrates $14.3 Million Climate Grant for I-95 Charging Infrastructure
Date Posted: October 10, 2024

First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney, Delaware DOE, Delaware Readiness Teams Kick off Kindergarten Registration
Date Posted: October 9, 2024

Delaware Board of Pardons Reforms Support Second Chances
Date Posted: October 9, 2024

Look Out for Deer Crossing Roads During Mating Season, Delaware Authorities Caution Drivers
Date Posted: October 9, 2024

Governor Carney to Activate Delaware National Guard to Assist with Florida’s Hurricane Response
Date Posted: October 8, 2024

Food Bank, Lt. Gov. Hall-Long Coordinate Infant Formula, Supplies for Hurricane Helene Relief
Date Posted: October 8, 2024

Highmark Exam Results In Mental Health Parity Penalties
Date Posted: October 8, 2024

Governor Carney Statement on Former Mayor Ted Becker’s Passing
Date Posted: October 7, 2024

Fire Prevention Month 2024
Date Posted: October 6, 2024

2024 General Election Voter Registration Deadline is Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Date Posted: October 4, 2024

OMC Receives More than 1,000 Applications for Licenses and Prepares for the Lottery Process
Date Posted: October 3, 2024

Blackbird Creek Fall Festival Set For October 19
Date Posted: October 3, 2024

Medicare Assistance Bureau: Important Reminders Ahead of Open Enrollment
Date Posted: October 3, 2024

National Endowment for the Arts Announces $12 Million in Grants to Expand Access to Arts in Communities Nationwide
Date Posted: October 2, 2024

Delaware EARNS Registration Deadline Approaching
Date Posted: October 2, 2024

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Brandan Henry’s “Ebon Solus”
Date Posted: October 2, 2024

Delaware’s AP Success: Advancing Equity and Excellence
Date Posted: October 2, 2024

GACEC Partnering with Delaware YMCA to Host Resource Fair
Date Posted: October 1, 2024

McMaster Technique Offers Delaware Livestock Producers and Veterinarians More Options in Herd Health
Date Posted: October 1, 2024

DSHA Launches Landlord Incentive Program to Expand Housing Opportunities for Voucher Holders
Date Posted: October 1, 2024

Governor Carney Signs State Retiree Health Care Benefits Legislation
Date Posted: September 30, 2024

Delaware sends swift water team to North Carolina
Date Posted: September 30, 2024

Community Engagement Sessions for Delaware Climate Action Plan Update Planned
Date Posted: September 30, 2024

Delaware Division of the Arts and DETV Launch “Arts Alive Delaware” TV Series
Date Posted: September 26, 2024

Delaware Office of Highway Safety Announces New Campaign to Increase Safety on Delaware Roadways
Date Posted: September 26, 2024

15 DNREC Programs to Participate in UD’s Annual Coast Day
Date Posted: September 26, 2024

Bridge Damage to Require Extended Lane Closure on Route 896 South
Date Posted: September 25, 2024

DNREC Study Finds PFAS in Surface Water Samples
Date Posted: September 24, 2024

Two Delaware Schools Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools
Date Posted: September 23, 2024

Five Schools Earn State School Counseling Award
Date Posted: September 23, 2024

Governor Carney Vetoes House Bill 140
Date Posted: September 20, 2024

First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney Recognizes September as Literacy Month, Continues Reading Tour
Date Posted: September 19, 2024

Event at the Delaware Public Archives: Tales from the Vaults
Date Posted: September 19, 2024

Emergency Sirens Test on October 1
Date Posted: September 19, 2024

Delaware Brings Private Paid Family Medical Leave Policies to Market
Date Posted: September 19, 2024

DNREC Accepting Community Water Quality Improvement Project Grant Proposals
Date Posted: September 18, 2024

DNREC to Hold Community Information Session Sept. 24 on Indian River Inlet North Side Beach and Dune Repair
Date Posted: September 18, 2024

State Auditor’s Office Issues First Audit of Dual Employment of Government Officials Since 2017
Date Posted: September 17, 2024

OWAA Releases Comprehensive Report on the Status of Women in Delaware
Date Posted: September 17, 2024

Poetry Out Loud to Celebrate 20th Anniversary During 2024-2025 School Year
Date Posted: September 16, 2024

Health Insurance Marketplace Data Released; Rates Finalized
Date Posted: September 16, 2024

Take Action to Avoid Accidents this Falls Prevention Awareness Week with Statewide Events
Date Posted: September 16, 2024

U.S. Senator Tom Carper Visits the Delaware Fire Prevention Commission
Date Posted: September 16, 2024

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Checkpoint Enforcement Results
Date Posted: September 13, 2024

Governor Carney Announces Changes to Leadership Team
Date Posted: September 13, 2024

Fire Commission Releases Statement Regarding Lewes Firefighter
Date Posted: September 12, 2024

Governor Carney Announces Emergency Repairs to Strengthen the Indian River Inlet Dunes
Date Posted: September 12, 2024

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags
Date Posted: September 10, 2024

Delaware 250 Announces Summer 2024 Grant Recipients
Date Posted: September 10, 2024

2025 Delaware Teacher of the Year to be Named Next Month
Date Posted: September 9, 2024

Fire Commission Groundbreaking Ceremony
Date Posted: September 9, 2024

Unclaimed Property MONEY MATCH Program Returns over $364,000 to Delaware Taxpayers
Date Posted: September 9, 2024

Voting Alert: Automatically Registered Voters May Declare Their Political Party Affiliation at the Primary Election
Date Posted: September 9, 2024

DPH Invites Public Comment on 2023 Delaware Statewide Health Assessment
Date Posted: September 6, 2024

Governor Carney Signs Package of Legislation to Combat Effects of Climate Change
Date Posted: September 5, 2024

DHSS Observes National Suicide Prevention Month
Date Posted: September 5, 2024

DUI Checkpoint Enforcement
Date Posted: September 4, 2024

Delaware Launches Agricultural Financing Program
Date Posted: September 4, 2024

Education Related Funds Awarded to Former Foster Youth
Date Posted: September 4, 2024

Improper Ambulance Service Payments Result in $363K Penalty Against Highmark
Date Posted: September 3, 2024

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Julieta Zavala’s “Mercado Kitsch México”
Date Posted: September 3, 2024

Delaware Confirms Initial Cases of West Nile Virus in a Human, Horses for 2024
Date Posted: August 30, 2024

Family Emergency Preparedness Day on September 14 for National Preparedness Month
Date Posted: August 30, 2024

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend Coming to Killens Pond State Park Oct. 4 to 6
Date Posted: August 30, 2024

Drive Safely as Kids Head Back to School
Date Posted: August 30, 2024

Suspect Identified in a Hit-and-Run Incident Involving a Golf Cart
Date Posted: August 30, 2024

Governor Carney Signs Legislation to Address Food Deserts
Date Posted: August 29, 2024

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags
Date Posted: August 29, 2024

DE, AR, PA, CA, TX, WI and 25 Other States Announce Settlement to End Interstate Unclaimed Property Litigation
Date Posted: August 28, 2024

Delaware News

Flag Status - FULL STAFF

For a safer Memorial Day holiday weekend, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police advise: Don’t drink and boat on Delaware waterways

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Fish and Wildlife | Date Posted: Wednesday, May 23, 2018

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DOVER – For the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix – and that boat operators with blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher risk facing charges for operating under the influence (OUI), as well as putting themselves, their passengers and other boaters in Delaware waters at risk.

“Just like driving an automobile, operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher is in violation of Delaware and federal laws,” said Sgt. Brooke Africa of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, noting that marine patrols are increased over the holiday weekend to ensure safe boating and public safety. “Boat operators found at or above the legal limit will find their voyage terminated, will be arrested, and may have their vessel impounded. Anyone charged with boating under the influence also can face fines and potential jail time.”

According to national statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is a leading known contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. Nationally in 2016, 282 accidents involved alcohol use, resulting in 87 deaths and 264 injuries.

The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wiser choice – don’t drink and boat, Sgt. Africa said. Environmental stressors aboard a boat – such as constant motion, heat, sun glare, and dehydration – all contribute to the negative effects of any amount of alcohol. Because of this, having a non-drinking, designated boat operator is strongly recommended.

Other tips for recreational boaters to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend include:

Exercise patience and courtesy at crowded boat ramps and docks.
Observe all “Slow No Wake” areas.
Maintain a lookout and keep a safe distance from other vessels.
Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds and use extra caution in congested areas.
Make sure children 12 and younger are wearing life jackets while underway as required by law.
Wear your life jacket and encourage all your passengers 13 and older to wear them also.
Check navigation lights and make sure to turn them on when operating at night.
Carry your Boating Education Card and all required safety equipment appropriate for your size vessel.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are considered vessels, and passengers are required to have a life jacket on board and carry a whistle or other sound-producing device. If you are out after sunset, a flashlight is also required.

For access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook and other safe boating information, click Delaware Boating Safety, or contact Delaware Boating Safety & Education Coordinator Sgt. Brooke Africa at 302-739-9913 or email brooke.africa@delaware.gov.

Follow 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.

Contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-382-7167, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 48, No. 130

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