Coastal Bay Boat Safety

The weather on the Eastern Shore is beautiful which brings a lot of people out to the water. Not to mention it’s boating season so the waves, as you can imagine, are perfect for boats and jet skis.

47 ABC was out on the water today and had the chance to speak with Officer David Bloxem, who patrols most of the Ocean City waterways.

“Boating season seems to start early and last late, every year.” said Bloxem. “People come here to have fun and we want them to but we need people to remember to be safe.”

Bloxem tells 47 ABC that one of the main issues are life jackets.

“People just don’t wear them.” said Bloxem.

He goes on to say that a life jacket needs to be present for everyone on the boat and without it fines starting at $85 will be administered. Bloxem also tells us that two of the main issues on the waterways are speeding which starts at $100 fine and alcohol. 

“It’s a huge problem out here, one of the biggest actually. People bring alcohol on the boats and that’s ok, as long as the driver isn’t drinking. But it’s the same rule on water as it is on land and the same fines and possible jail times apply here too.” said Bloxem.

The overall goal is for people to have a great time and a fine is the quickest way to ruin that vibe. Make sure you have enough life jackets on your boat, you’re following all the speed limits, and if you do bring alcohol onto your boat make sure you’re drinking responsibly.