Reminder for the week: Entering after hours on state wildlife areas continues to be an issue

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between July 2-8 made 3,940 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 83 citations. Officers responded to 129 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 Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Action

Incident of note:

• On July 3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited an individual for failure to maintain a proper lookout following an investigation into a boat accident where a vessel with four people on board ran onto the rocks of the North side of the C&D Canal near the Reedy Point Bridge. All four victims, to include the operator were taken to Christiana Emergency Room where they were treated and released.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included: Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (9), no F.I.N. (2), trespass to fish (1), possession of undersized blue crab (9), over-the-limit crab pots (1), possession of over-the-limit hard clams (1), possession of undersized black seabass (1), possession of undersized striped bass (1), and possession of flounder parts (1). Commercial: No commercial crabbing license (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Failure to observe slow no wake (3), no tidal boat ramp certificate (1), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (6), operating an unregistered vessel (4), failure to maintain a proper lookout (1), negligent operation of a personal watercraft (2), allowing use of non-compliant vessel (2), operating a personal watercraft without a life jacket (4), no navigation lights (2), no sound-producing device (1), and no boating safety certificate (6).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana – civil (1)* and possession of drug paraphernalia (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (19)*, littering (1), and operating an unregistered vehicle (golf cart) in a wildlife area (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

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 de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are increasing patrols and closely monitoring state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas for visitor safety and compliance, as well as checking for illegal activity such as drug use, littering, and damaging wildlife habitat.

State wildlife areas, fishing piers and boat launching facilities are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise unless a person is actively and lawfully engaged in fishing, hunting or boating in accordance with state regulations and individual wildlife area rules. Individuals not meeting these requirements and found at these sites between sunset and sunrise face fines up to $100 for trespassing after hours.

Media Contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

Reminder for the week: Have a safe holiday weekend on Delaware waterways

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 18-24 made 3,198 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 37 citations. Officers responded to 52 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 Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On June 21, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, Sgt. Chillas and K-9 River visited the Harrington Police Department’s Youth Academy and gave a K-9 demonstration.
• On June 22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions with a Brandywine Creek State Park summer camp. The campers were then taken on a police boat ride in the C&D Canal.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Action

Incident of note:

• On June 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested an individual for one count each of leaving the scene of a property collision accident, fail to drive at speed appropriate for conditions, failure to have required insurance, operating a motor vehicle off of an established roadway on a state wildlife area, and three counts of possession of undersized blue crab. The arrest followed an investigation into a vehicle accident that occurred June 13, in the Assawoman Wildlife Area near Frankford. The individual was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and released on $450 unsecured bond and $200 secured bond pending a future court date.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (3), trespass to fish (1), possession of undersized blue crab (3), over the limit recreational crab pots (1), possession of tautog during a closed season (1), and possession of undersized summer flounder (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (4), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), operating a personal watercraft without a life jacket (1), no throwable life preserver aboard as required for vessels 16 feet long or longer (1), unregistered vessel (2), and failure to report a boating accident within 24 hours (1).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (1), leaving the scene of a property collision accident (1), failure to drive at speed appropriate for conditions (1), and failure to have required insurance (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (9)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2), and destruction of state property (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

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.

Are you AWARE?
With many boaters heading out on the water for the long 4th of July holiday weekend, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix – and that boat operators found to have blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher will face charges for operating a vessel under the influence as well as putting themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers will also be out on the water, increasing their presence for Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement and education campaign aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities. For more information on Operation Dry Water visit, this press release.

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 for other vessels and keep a safe distance away.
• Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, including congested areas.
• Make sure children 12 and younger are wearing life jackets while underway as required by law.
• Check navigation lights and make sure to turn them on when operating at night.

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

To report boating violations please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch line at: 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523-3336.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/.

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

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

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

Delaware’s Boating Safety & Education Office urges good safety practices

DOVER – With the 2018 summer season and ideal weather ahead, many boaters soon will be heading out on the water. DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Office of Boating Safety & Education encourages boaters to practice safe boating, not just during National Safe Boating Week – but also throughout the year.

This morning, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin and Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers joined members of the General Assembly, and U.S. Coast Guard and USCG Auxiliary members to officially kick off National Safe Boating Week at the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Boat Dock in Lewes.

“We encourage citizens who are boating on our waterways to be alert, use common sense and avoid actions that will put themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk,” said Secretary Garvin. “And, like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that wearing lifejackets save lives.”

Delaware, which consistently has one of the lowest boating accident rates in the country, had 33 reported boating accidents and three fatalities last year. Statistics support the vital role of wearing lifejackets in keeping boaters safe. In 2016, 80 percent of all boating-related fatalities nationwide were drowning victims, and of those, 83 percent were not wearing lifejackets, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. There have been no fatalities and no reported accidents this year.

Coast Guard statistics show alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. In Delaware, the same blood alcohol limit used to measure intoxication in automobile drivers applies to boat operators: 0.08 or above is legally intoxicated. Boat operators found to be at or over the limit face fines and potential jail time, as well as putting themselves and their passengers at risk. “The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice – don’t drink and boat,” said Sgt. Brooke Africa, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Boating Safety & Education Coordinator, noting boaters should plan to have a non-drinking designated boat operator aboard if alcohol is being consumed.

Delaware law requires children age 12 and younger wear a lifejacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters. Lifejackets also are required for water skiers, tubers, and personal watercraft operators and passengers of all ages. Though not required by law, Sgt. Africa strongly recommends all other adult boat operators and passengers, especially those with limited swimming skills, wear lifejackets.

Taking a boating safety course can also improve your skills and reduce the chances of an accident. Coast Guard statistics show that in states where boating safety education data is available, 77 percent of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978, are required to successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat in Delaware waters, including personal watercraft, and must carry their boating safety certificate while boating as proof of course completion.

For more information, including Delaware’s boating safety course schedule and the online Delaware Boating Handbook, visit the Delaware Boating Safety web page, or contact Boating Safety & Education Coordinator Sgt. Brooke Africa at 302-739-9913.

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, twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

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

Vol. 48, No. 126

DOVER – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police announced today their support of “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day” on Friday, May 18. They join boating professionals and outdoor enthusiasts in promoting that lifejackets always be worn as a safe boating practice, as well as heightening awareness of the different life jackets available, and showing their comfort and versatility by wearing them to work.

The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), serves as a fun, educational day just prior to the start of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, the official launch of the 2018 Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of lifejackets has been a main focus of the campaign. Members of the boating public as well as those interested in showing the wearability of life jackets are encouraged to participate.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, along with the National Safe Boating Council, is asking all participants to take a picture of themselves in their life jacket while at work and post it on social media using #lifejacket2work #safeboating and #DEFWNRPolice.

The most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2016, and that approximately 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

For more information on this event, or boating safety in Delaware, 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, 302-382-7167, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 47, No. 123