WASHINGTON — No boater goes out on the water expecting a disaster, but they happen. A stem-to-stern equipment check may save lives and money.
Boaters can be ticketed and fined up to $250 in Virginia and up to $500 in Maryland for lifejacket violations.
“We absolutely demand that you have life jackets aboard. One for each person. They need to be the style that’s required for the type of boat you’re on and they have to be in good shape,” says Maryland Natural Resources Police Spokeswoman Candy Thomson.
Other safety equipment includes items such as a whistle or horn with which to call for help, and flares and a fire extinguisher with appropriate expiration dates.
Thompson says boaters also should be aware of the weather. Rough conditions may have contributed to Maryland’s first boating death of 2015, which happened this week on the Potomac River.
“The conditions probably were a little bit challenging for his small boat and it capsized and we recovered his body,” Thomson says with a sigh.
People who may have interest in buying a boat or spending time on the water should have an idea of the responsibility involved. The Virginia Watercraft Owner’s Guide gives good perspective and examples.
