Md. officials launch campaign to prevent future boating accidents

After a tragic boating accident claimed the life of a child last year,  the state of Maryland is taking steps to prevent future accidents.

"Last summer here in Ocean City a young boy died when he fell from the bow of a rented pontoon boat and was swept into the path of the propeller," says Colonel Ken Ziegler, from the  Department of Natural Resources Police.

Nine year old Kaden Frederick was killed in 2016. Police say his death happened because he was sitting on a boat with his feet dangling off the front. This accident and others have sparked a new campaign launched by state officials called  'Ride Inside'.

"You wouldn't  let your family ride on the hood of your car, and bow riding on the front of the boat is basically the same thing," says Colonel Ziegler.

Lieutenant Commander Sara Wallace,  from the U.S. Coast Guard at Sector Maryland-NCR says, "To put it in perspective, a typical propeller operating at 3200 rpm,  can make 160 cuts in one second,  it can travel from the head to the toe  in less than a tenth of a second,  and often the results are horrific."

The campaign partners with local boat rental shops to educate folks about the dangers of bow riding.

"Particularly those that aren't experienced boaters don't understand the dangers that go along with it. It could be a lot of fun or the worst day of your life," says Colonel Ziegler.

 The campaign also informs boaters about steps they can take to remain safe on the water.

"Always wear a life jacket, make sure you have a radio on board if things start to go on board if things start to go bad, and take a look at the weather in advance of going out," says Lt. Comdr. Wallace.

This past legislative session,  Maryland lawmakers attempted to pass stricter boating laws, but the bill failed to make it out of it's assigned committee.

Delegate Mary Beth Carozza says they will check to see how successful the campaign was before making a decision on future legislation.