Maryland Governor Issues Warning after Susquehanna River Fatality

Including a man who died north of the Conowingo Dam over the weekend in a cliff jumping incident, 12 people have lost their lives in Maryland's waters so far in 2013, state officials said Tuesday.

“One month ago, we issued a plea for citizens and visitors to make personal safety a top priority while enjoying our state’s waterways,” Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said, referencing increased patrols leading up to the July 4 weekend.

"Since then, six more lives have been lost to drowning," O'Malley said in a July 30 statement.

Zachary James, the 25-year-old Delaware man who fell from the cliffs at Wildcat Point, was the most recent fatality in Maryland waters. He died July 27, five days after another man drowned in Cecil County.

On July 22, a 75-year-old Earleville man died when he fell overboard into the Bohemia River while crabbing, according to ExploreHarford.

Other recent fatalities have occurred in Anne Arundel County, where a 20-year-old man's body was found July 23 along the Chesapeake Bay after he jumped from a pier to retrieve a hat and did not reappear, Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch reported. On July 4, a 27-year-old Annapolis man died after jumping from a boat into the Magothy River, according to Broadneck Patch.

Maryland's water-related casualty tally is double that of the same time frame in 2012, the Department of Natural Resources reported.

“One day on the water, one minor misstep, one moment or lapse in judgment can lead to loss of life," O'Malley said. "Some of these victims were avid swimmers and athletes, clearly demonstrating that no one is immune to a swift current, large wave or unexpected mishap. We urge you to guard your life, and guard the lives of your loved ones by being smart and safe on the water.”

The Maryland Natural Resources Police recommends having a rescue plan before embarking on the water, keeping an eye on everyone in your party, wearing a lifejacket and having flotation devices at the ready.

“...we continue to see casualties on our waterways that may have been prevented by better planning and precautionary measures,” said Colonel Johnson of the Natural Resources Police in a prepared statement. “We are again asking everyone to research your activity and put safety first when heading outdoors.”

Maryland Natural Resources Police offers these tips for water safety:

• Wear a life jacket.
• Keep flotation devices handy.
• Swim near a lifeguard.
• Check weather and tides before heading out.
  
• Never boat or swim alone.
• Never boat or swim while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Take a cell phone with you.
• Don't fight the current; swim parallel to the shoreline.
• Obey warning signs alerting swimmers to danger.
• Call 911 in the event of an emergency.

REACH the person in trouble by extending a pole, line or rope to pull them to safety; do not reach by hand as the rescuer could quickly become another victim.

THROW an object that floats if the victim is unreachable. A life ring, lifejacket, cooler or plastic jug can keep a troubled swimmer afloat until rescuers arrive.

ROW to the victim, using a canoe or any other safe watercraft. The rescuer must wear a life jacket. Extend a rope or paddle to tow the victim to shore.

GO find help or yell to get other people’s attention and have someone call 911.

For more information on Maryland Boating Safety, visit dnr.maryland.gov/boating/safety.