(OCEAN CITY, Md.) - Three serious boating accidents over the weekend have left two people seriously injured and one dead, bringing Maryland's boating fatality count up to eight this year. Five of those deaths occurred in Anne Arundel County, and none of the victims were wearing life jackets.
According to Maryland Natural Resources Police, 90 reportable boating accidents have happened so far in 2016. That number remains fluid until a final review of each case is done in January, when NRP submits their boating stats to the Coast Guard, as required by law.
Richard Rosenholtz of Long Neck, Del., owns an 18-foot pontoon boat. He says he's "not at all surprised" by the number of boating accidents that have already happened this year.
"I see it all the time being a boater," said Rosenholtz. "You just have to be super careful and obey the rules of the water and you'll be OK."
NRP says last year, Maryland had 20 fatal boating accidents resulting in a record-high of 21 deaths, one was a double fatal. Eighteen of the victims were not wearing life jackets. That record number was the highest in 20 years.
"People seem to be very reckless now a days, whether they're driving or boating," said Rachel Cornell, a licensed boat operator from Princess Anne, Md.
Petty Officer 2nd Class William Castleberry of the United States Coast Guard in Ocean City says he's also not surprised by the high number of boating accidents so far this year. He says many boaters tend to come from out of town and don't know the area of operation. He also says "complacency" is to blame for many boating accidents.
"People tend to not pay attention when they're on vacation. They enjoy themselves a little too much and they lose track of what's around them," said Castleberry.
Cornell agrees.
"It's just like driving," said Cornell. "When you drive the same route every day, you just become part of the scenery instead of a traveler. As long as you're aware of what's going on around you at all times, you're safe."
Castleberry says before hitting the water, boaters should remember to properly check their vessel, make sure they're familiar with their surroundings and where they're heading, and always wear a life jacket.
Castleberry also says a good rule of thumb for boaters to remember when out on the water is to keep a good solid 10 boat lengths away from other boats.
For more tips on boating safety, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.