The National Safe Boating Council is reminding Marylanders that statically we are prone to accidents and fatalities on the water. See the news release. (http://www.drumpoint.org/2012/07/national-safe-boating-council-identifies-states-with-highest-number-of-boating-accidents-and-fatalities-provides-tips-for-safe-boating/) Then read through some of the articles at our website the last month for stories related to Maryland accidents.

Maybe if our elected Maryland representatives thought that PUBLIC SAFETY was a PRIORITY they would find a way to employ more DNR-type POLICE: a DNR-type police officer told me recently that they have gone from 400 officers to some 146 this year FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF MARYLAND. If areas could be patrolled maybe some of the risk-taking behaviors could be mitigated...

That is a good observation. Now I realize I represent the government as an Auxiliarist but I would be the first to tell you that the government cannot solve every problem. Bad boating, driving, hunting, fishing and even public littering are personal behaviors. Changing the way things are starts with each of us individually making a choice.

I choose to be a safe boater, driver, hunter, and fisherman and I will not litter. When more of us make that personal choice only the scofflaws will stand out.

It really is a personal choice and we in Maryland have the power within us to make our waterways safer than they are today. IMHO.

The National Safe Boating Council is reminding Marylanders that statically we are prone to accidents and fatalities on the water. See the news release. (http://www.drumpoint.org/2012/07/national-safe-boating-council-identifies-states-with-highest-number-of-boating-accidents-and-fatalities-provides-tips-for-safe-boating/) Then read through some of the articles at our website the last month for stories related to Maryland accidents.

Of course, the whole state is on the water.

Understood. Same with Texas. But stop and look at just this year's death or injury events. Could steps have been taken to prevent each one? As a percentage of the total boating population I have also been told we are comparatively high in deaths even when looking at automobile deaths and the number of drivers we are statistically more likely to die on the water.

I think we can all make personal choices that would alter this statistic.

Understood. Same with Texas. But stop and look at just this year's death or injury events. Could steps have been taken to prevent each one? As a percentage of the total boating population I have also been told we are comparatively high in deaths even when looking at automobile deaths and the number of drivers we are statistically more likely to die on the water.

I think we can all make personal choices that would alter this statistic.

Land mass, population versus coast line? I'll bet only CA and FL come close and that is all ocean. People figure out they can't go out in little boats real quick.

Sometimes not before capsizing ;) I hear you. We still have high numbers and the size of our coastline shouldn't enter into whether or not I accept it is the norm.

Sometimes not before capsizing ;) I hear you. We still have high numbers and the size of our coastline shouldn't enter into whether or not I accept it is the norm.

No, that's what I was trying to say. There it is pretty obvious you don't want to head out to sea in your 12 flat bottom. Well, maybe on the flats in FL. Here making the transition from the little creek to the river and then the bay might lure the unaware out too far to get back in time.

Maybe if our elected Maryland representatives thought that PUBLIC SAFETY was a PRIORITY they would find a way to employ more DNR-type POLICE: a DNR-type police officer told me recently that they have gone from 400 officers to some 146 this year FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF MARYLAND. If areas could be patrolled maybe some of the risk-taking behaviors could be mitigated...

I have the up most respect for the DNR police. They have been a great pro active help for me in the past when I had trespassers. I was sadden to hear that they were reduced in numbers and I have written in the past to DNR about how valuable they are.

I have the up most respect for the DNR police. They have been a great pro active help for me in the past when I had trespassers. I was sadden to hear that they were reduced in numbers and I have written in the past to DNR about how valuable they are.

How were they proactive?

Ditto. I spent some time this afternoon with one. Maryland's finest officers in my opinion. Outstanding police professionals.