After a number of tragic boating incidents on Maryland waters in recent weeks, the message from Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on the eve of this year's boating season is simple: "Wear Your Life Jacket! Boat Smart from the Start."

The joint boating safety message is part of the National Safe Boating Campaign that runs through the end of July and is designed to reach boaters across the country.

"Education is an integral part of ensuring long-term progress toward safer boating," NRP Supt. John W. Rhoads said during a press conference along the Chesapeake Bay. "On average, drowning is the cause of seven in every 10 boating fatalities. Most of these victims would have survived if they had worn their life jackets. I also encourage all boaters, no matter their age or experience, to take a Boating Safety Education course to learn or brush up on their skills. Taking the boating safety course and wearing a life jacket while can literally be the difference between life and death."

"Safety on the water is a primary focus of the U.S. Coast Guard," added Capt. Charles Miller, Coast Guard Activities Baltimore Commander. "Since 1991, through the good work of our many partners in boating safety, the number of boating fatalities in the state have been significantly reduced. Prevention is the key, and we are committed to a campaign that stresses the importance of practicing safe boating fundamentals all year long."

Each year approximately 700 people die in boating-related incidents nationwide. In Maryland last year, 11 boaters lost their lives, six of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.

There are a wide array of USCG approved life jackets, also called personal flotation devices (PFDs) available to the boating public from retailers.

Some of today's newer PFDs are a quick fit, very comfortable, do not restrict movement and can be comfortably worn. Others are vest-like and are not as cumbersome as traditional PFDs which are worn around the neck and must be tied.

According to NRP statistics, in 1998 there were 215 boating accidents in Maryland, resulting in 121 injuries. The majority of those incidents, 68, took place on a Sunday. Anne Arundel County led the accident list with 43, followed by Worcester County with 37. Cecil and Queen Anne's counties followed with 18 accidents each. Personal watercraft (PWC) were involved in more boating accidents last year than any other types of vessels.

To help promote boating safety among PWC users, NRP with assistance from Bombardier Motor Corporation, a major PWC manufacturer, developed a PWC Safety Campaign. The campaign quizzes individuals on PWC safety by traveling to community festivals, fairs and boating events throughout the state. People participate in the PWC Safety Campaign by taking an 11 question quiz on PWC safety. A short, action-filled video also accompanies the quiz. Everyone who takes the quiz is entered in a drawing for a Sea-Doo PWC that is donated by Bombardier Motor Corporation. This year's winner of the PWC is Kathleen Thim, of Reisterstown (Baltimore County).