CRISFIELD, Md.- The water is not always your friend, especially if you're on a boat. The state of Maryland has the numbers to prove it.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that boating deaths in the state in 2011 were nearly double the average annual number recorded in the past decade.
From 2001 to 2010, the average number of deaths per year was about 12.7.
Some boaters in Crisfield Tuesday said, just use common sense.
"It's not a game you know being out on the water," said Tyler Ryan. "You've got to take it seriously."
According to DNR, last year, 24 people died in boat-related accidents. It's something Kevin Marshall said that boaters have to keep in mind because you can never be too careful.
"Water has no friends, it could be your friend and your enemy at the same time," Marshall said. "Storms can come up especially in the spring of the year and come out of nowhere."
Cody Bradshaw, a waterman from Smith Island, said something as simple as a lifevest can be your saving grace ensuring that you get home safely to your family.
"Things to carry out on your boat definitely have a phone, and VHF radio in case something happens so that you call for help," he said.
With summer coming, more recreational boaters will be out on the water. Waterman Bill Ryan said it is the time of year that he sees bad decisions being made.
"Just because it's a holiday, it's not necessarily that you've got to go out there on the water or go fishing or be recreational," Ryan said. "I mean if it's a nice day go, but if it's not a nice day then have enough sense to stay home."
DNR said that normally most accidents, injuries and fatalities happen during the summer months, often peaking in July, when the water is warm.
(Photo: WBOC)
