Displaying one of the new life rings at Woodland Beach are Citizens’ Hose Company members Keith Mapps, Fire Chief Chip Thompson, John Morgan, retired State Senator and board member Bruce C. Ennis, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Pat Emory and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. /DNREC photo.

As summer waterways become more crowded, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control underscores the importance of safety for water enthusiasts in the First State. Today, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company teamed up to highlight recently installed buoyant life rings at DNREC’s Woodland Beach fishing pier and boat ramp.

“Having the familiar circular life preservers close at hand can save a life when someone is in the water and in trouble,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Some of our fishing piers and boat ramps already have these life rings. With the Citizens’ Hose Company and their stalwart member and longtime president, former State Senator Bruce Ennis, we now have these rings available at Woodland Beach.”

Secretary Garvin and Delaware Natural Resources Police officers reiterated critical safety tips for boaters:

• Life Jackets for Children: State law requires children aged 12 and younger to wear life jackets while underway. It’s recommended for everyone on board to wear a life jacket. Those over 12 not wearing a life jacket must have one easily accessible and properly fitted on board.
• Life Jackets for All: Encourage all passengers aged 13 and older to wear life jackets.
• Slow No Wake Zones: Adhere to “Slow No Wake” areas to prevent accidents and damage.
• Maintain Vigilance: Keep a watchful eye and maintain a safe distance from other vessels.
• Navigation Lights: Ensure navigation lights are working during times of low visibility, such as rain and fog, and at night.
• Safety Equipment: Carry a boating education card and required safety equipment appropriate for your vessel size, including a sound-producing device like a horn or whistle, a fire extinguisher, a Type IV throwable (such as a USCG-approved cushion or ring buoy), and navigation lights.
• Canoes, Kayaks and Paddle Boards: These vessels require life jackets on board and a whistle or other sound-producing device. A flashlight is also required if operating during times of low visibility and after sunset.
• Sober Operation: Alcohol use is a leading cause of fatal boating accidents. Always designate a sober operator to helm the boat.

In addition, Delaware mandates a boater safety course for individuals born on or after January 1, 1978. This course, available online, covers navigation rules, boat parts, state boating laws, and required safety equipment. Boaters must carry proof of completion, as it serves as a driver’s license on the water.

Even with safety measures, having life preservers readily available can help ensure a timely response during water rescues.

“As of 2024, this is the 138th year for the all-volunteer Citizens’ Hose Company. Since our founding in 1886, we have responded to water rescues in our area. We know time is everything,” said Senator Ennis. “That’s why Citizens’ Hose partnered with DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide these throwable life rings as a vital first response while we are on our way.”

“We at Citizens’ Hose Company strive to provide the citizens of our district, the surrounding communities, and all who visit our community a safe environment,” said Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company Fire Chief Chip Thompson. “These life rings are another example of us providing ‘Service for Others.’ We hope with the installation of these life rings will help a person in the water, from when they are first spotted in the water until the arrival of emergency resources or self-removal. This is a great addition to our district and we know it will make a difference.”

Funded by the Citizens’ Hose Company and installed by DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife staff, the life rings are a crucial step toward enhancing safety on Delaware’s waterways. DNREC encourages all boaters to adhere to these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. More information is available at de.gov/boatsafety.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn. 

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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The “Life in the Bay” program to be presented July 31 and Aug. 7 by DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center will give youngsters aged 6 and up the chance to try their hand at seining along the Delaware Bay. /DNREC photo

Outdoor Program Upcoming July 31 and Aug. 7 at Woodland Beach

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites families of all ages to participate in “Life in the Bay,” the popular youth education program geared toward children aged 6 and older, but with equal appeal to adults who want to learn about fish and other aquatic creatures that live in the Delaware Bay.

Staff from DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will be on hand July 31 and Aug. 7 at Woodland Beach to seine for aquatic creatures found along the edge of the Delaware Bay and help participants discover and learn about aquatic life on the Delaware Bayshore.

Program participants will observe AREC staff using seine net to capture aquatic life along the shoreline. Later, “Life in the Bay” program participants will have an opportunity to view the catch and assist staff in releasing what’s been caught via seining efforts. Closed-toed shoes are a must for participating in “Life in the Bay.” All other equipment will be provided by AREC.

The hour-long seining programs are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, July 31, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 7, 9 to 10 a.m.

To ensure enough supplies are on hand for the free program, pre-registration is required and can be done via the DNREC events calendar, de.gov/dnrecmeetings. To learn more about AREC and all educational programs offered by the center, visit de.gov/arec.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

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A Small Fry Adventurer shows off a crab craft at the Aquatic Resources Education Center. /DNREC photo.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages families with young children to enjoy exciting “Small Fry Adventures” this summer at the Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) near Smyrna. These free events are geared toward youngsters ages 4 to 7, who want to learn about fish and other aquatic critters that live in the tidal salt marsh. Kids will have a chance to view marine life in AREC’s aquariums, make a simple craft with an aquatic theme and participate in activities to learn about some of the aquatic life in Delaware.

Small Fry Adventures are scheduled for July 23, July 30 and Aug. 6 – all on Tuesdays.  Programs run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at AREC, a DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife facility at 2520 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna, DE 19977.

To ensure enough supplies are on hand for the free programs, pre-registration is required and available on the DNREC events calendar, de.gov/dnrecmeetings. More information about AREC and Small Fry Adventures can be found at de.gov/arec.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn. 

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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Dozens of young anglers gathered at Lums Pond for a group photo at the annual Youth Fishing Tournament June 1. /DNREC photo

DNREC Announces Results of 38^th Annual Event Introducing Youth to Fishing

More than 300 youth anglers turned out on a perfect early summer day June 1 to cast their lines in the 38^th annual Youth Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Delaware Natural Resources Police. Today, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced the tournament winners at Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Akridge Scout Reservation in Kent County, and Lums Pond in New Castle County, as well as this year’s overall champion.

Tournament weighmasters onsite at each pond weighed catches for participants ages 4 through 15 as they competed for each county’s top catch and age group titles. Last year’s winner, Brody Spencer of Dagsboro, now age 12, repeated as tournament champion by catching 5.71 pounds of fish this year in Ingrams Pond in Sussex County.

This year’s overall statewide winner and county winners will be invited to a special trophy ceremony on Governor’s Day, Thursday, July 25, at the 2024 Delaware State Fair in Harrington. The Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release approach to conservation.

New Castle County Winners

At Lums Pond in New Castle County, Brice Wise was the day’s overall winner with a total of 3.31 pounds of fish. The largest fish of the day was a 2.2-pound largemouth bass caught by Elena Pihouee, and the smallest fish, a tiny 4-gram pumpkinseed, was caught by McKenzie VanSant. Other New Castle County winners were:

Ages 4 through 7:

First place – Lillian Welch, 2.66 pounds
Second place – Caroline Jordan, 0.88 pounds
Third place – Jayson Troy, 0.80 pounds

Ages 8 through 11:

First place – Michael Hopkins, 2.94 pounds
Second place – Elena Pihouee, 2.65 pounds
Third place – LaRelle Williams Jr., 1.61 pounds

Ages 12 through 15:

First place – Aiden Kulac, 3.05 pounds
Second place – Alyssa Danz, 2.46 pounds
Third place – Tyler Harvell, 2.25 pounds

Kent County Winners

Thomas Sweeney-Jones was the overall winner at Akridge Scout Reservation, with 2.98 pounds of fish. The largest fish of the day was a 1.7-pound largemouth bass caught by Beau Lindale, and the smallest was a 11-gram bluegill, caught by Jocelyn Spear.

Ages 4 through 7:

First place – Beau Lindale, 2.84 pounds
Second place – Catalaya Andrews, 2.21 pounds
Third place – Greysen Figgs, 1.66 pounds

Ages 8 through 11:

First place – Collin Meisinger, 1.83 pounds
Second place – Gabriel Velazquez, 0.87 pounds
Third place – Windsor Stone, 0.67 pounds

Ages 12 through 15:

First place – Gianna Velazquez, 2.28 pounds
Second place – Dalton White, 1.79 pounds
Third place – John “JC” Kubovcik, 1.41 pounds

Sussex County Winners

The Sussex County winner was Brody Spencer, with 5.71 pounds of fish caught in Ingrams Pond. The largest fish of the day was a 1.1-pound catfish caught by Jack Wertz. The smallest fish caught at Ingrams was a tie: Tristan Whitt and Jilian Columna each caught bluegills weighing just 15 grams.

Ages 4 through 7:

First place – Piper Vannicol, 3.10 pounds
Second place – Tristen Wertz, 2.21 pounds
Third place – Tristan Whitt,1.55 pounds

Ages 8 through 11:

First place – Kaden Elliot, 2.47 pounds
Second place – Caden Timmons, 1.31 pounds
Third place – Wesley Whitt, 0.63 pounds

Ages 12 through 15:

First place – Cameron Garufi, 2.13 pounds
Second place – Jack Wertz, 2.10 pounds
Third place – Jerry Kemp, 1.69 pounds

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn. 

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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A white-tailed fawn may be left alone for hours at a time by its mother, but shouldn’t be seen by  well-meaning wildlife watchers as vulnerable or in need of being rescued. /US Fish and Wildlife Service photo: Tom Koerner

DNREC Reminds Delawareans: ‘If You Find Them Alone, Leave Them Alone’

It’s coming up on the time of year when wildlife watchers in Delaware are most likely to happen upon young animals, particularly deer fawns, that appear to have been left alone, even abandoned in their natural environment – and “So tiny, so helpless … so cute!”, they look very much like they need rescuing by a kind public hand or two. Almost always, that’s not the case – rather, these young’uns are waiting for a parent’s return from foraging or from a nearby vantage of keeping a close eye on them. Thus an annual reminder from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: if you find them alone, leave them alone – because taking or “rescuing” a young animal from the wild almost inevitably means that it will not survive.

While young animals can appear to be abandoned, and occasionally are due to unfortunate circumstances, most often they are not, with their mothers usually in close proximity waiting for the nature-loving person who “discovered” their offspring to move on. Many wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, will leave their young to forage for food, returning a few times a day, while trusting their young’s natural instinct to lie quietly so as not to be detected by predators.

DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife puts particular emphasis on not intervening with newborn fawns, as Sam Millman, Delaware deer biologist in the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife points out: “Removing fawns from the wild can be stressful for the mother and be detrimental to the future of the young deer, since they cannot learn directly from their parent on how to survive in their natural environment.”

Another important insight from DNREC is that handling or removing wildlife can be harmful to both wildlife and humans. Precautions to take with wild animals, young and old, include:

• If you see a young wild animal alone, watch from a distance to see if its mother returns, but realize that could take several hours.
• Be aware that wild animals can be unpredictable and occasionally dangerous, especially if they are in pain.
• Keep pets away from wild animals, which can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, or diseases such as rabies.
• Remember that it is illegal to raise or keep a live wild animal in Delaware.

During spring and summer months, rabies, which is occasionally found in wildlife, is more likely to be transmitted to humans and pets due to our increase in outdoor activities during this time of year. All the more reason to leave wildlife undisturbed and keep a safe distance between you and them.

For more help in trying to determine if a young wild animal is orphaned or injured, or is simply exhibiting normal behavior for a species in the wild instead of needing to be rescued, contact the Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators. To determine the appropriate course of action if a young wild animal appears injured, or if you are certain its parent is deceased, call the DNREC Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912, or toll-free after-hours and on weekends, at 800-523-3336.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn. 

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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