Stay dry

It’s illegal and unsafe to go boating and drinking
Anonymous
The Cumberland Times-News Thu Jun 23, 2011, 09:26 PM EDT

There may be people who actually believe that while it’s inadvisable to drink and drive an automobile, it’s OK to drink and operate a boat.

Well, it’s not.

Not only is it illegal to operate a boat while under the influence, it’s dangerous. In Maryland, alcohol and illegal drug use were contributing factors in 8 percent of the state’s 219 reportable boating accidents during 2010. In 2009, alcohol contributed to 16 percent of boating fatalities nationwide.

Warm weather brings the boating season, and Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged a Pennsylvania man with operating a vessel under the influence on Deep Creek Lake.

Just as police are on the lookout for drunken drivers, they’re also trying to keep the boating public safe from drunken boat operators.

Today through Sunday, Maryland’s Natural Resources Police will be participating in the nationally coordinated Operation Dry Water, in which officials across America — including the U.S. Coast Guard — will be trying to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking in a boating environment.

The situation becomes even worse in waters that are comparatively crowded, like those of Deep Creek Lake.

Also, NRP officials say, boaters are subject to increased fatigue from sun, wind and water, and alcohol use magnifies this fatigue and impairs judgment and can can lead to arrest, accidents and death. The maximum penalty for operating a boat while impaired by alcohol is a $1,000 fine and a year in jail for first offenders.

As NRP says: Boat safe, boat smart and boat sober

If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.

877-563-5350 Questions about ANY listed property? I can help! Call me!

Visit the 'I Love Deep Creek & Garrett County group' on Facebook! News, events, photos, real estate, community, info, more! 1,750+ members & growing!

Man arrested after crashing boat into 2 docks

Posted: 08/24/2010

GARRETT COUNTY, Md. - Maryland Natural Resources Police have charged William Stewart Bender, 48, of Frostburg with negligent operation of a vessel, failure to keep proper lookout to avoid collision and speed too great for conditions.

Bender faces these charges after he was involved in a boating accident that occurred on August 21st. At 8:00 a.m. officers were notified by Caryn Gill of Beckman's Peninsula Road that a boat had struck her dock during the night and that there was damage to her dock and the boat that was moored there.

Gill told officers that the striking vessel was sunk at her dock.

Natural Resources Police determined the striking vessel was operated by Bender, and an investigation revealed a 2007 22-foot Correctcraft pontoon boat, was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck a dock owned by David Klueter.

Read the rest here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!

Their treat: Cops to give free desserts to kids in life jackets

From the Outdoors Girl blog:

From Deep Creek Lake to the waters around Ocean City, kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer could win a free dessert for putting safety first.

Following the worst season for boating fatalities in more than a decade, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers will be giving away coupons for Rita’s Italian Ice as part of a stepped up education and enforcement program. Also, coupons will be given out wherever the colorful “Wear-it, Maryland” truck is on display.

The coupons are good for a free Italian ice at any of Rita’s 80 Maryland shops.

Last year, Maryland had 16 fatal accidents, resulting in 17 deaths--the highest number in more than a decade. Sixteen of the 17 victims were not wearing life vests.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Recent Boating Crashes Reported On Deep Creek

courtesy Republican News


Jul. 24, 2008

The Maryland Natural Resources Police investigated two recent boating accidents on Deep Creek Lake, one of which resulted in injuries.
Susan M. Muscleman, 41, Orrtanna, Pa., was admitted to Garrett Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and Nichole S. Reed, 23, Gettysburg, Pa., was treated and released following a boating accident Tuesday evening.

Aaron G. Mummert, 32, Hanover, Pa., was operating an 18-foot outboard motor boat with three passengers around 11:30 p.m. in McHenry Cove when he struck a 24-foot pontoon boat in the stern. Police said Mummert's vessel became airborne and landed in front of the pontoon boat.

Mummert was charged with negligent operation of a vessel, failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to operate at a safe speed, and failure to obtain a certificate of boating safety education. A court date of Oct. 30 has been scheduled for Mummert in Garrett County District Court.

The Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Northern Garrett County Rescue Squad, and Southern Garrett County Rescue Squad assisted NRP with the incident.

A second, unrelated accident was reported on Saturday, when Che F. Moore, 38, Verona, Pa., struck the stern of a pontoon boat while operating a rented personal watercraft on the main body of Deep Creek Lake. The pontoon was being driven by Kevin Beattie, Pittsburgh, Pa. According to reports, no one was injured in the 4:30 p.m. collision.

NRP charged Moore with negligent operation of a vessel and operating a personal watercraft at greater than 6 knots within 100 feet of another vessel.

NRP reminds boaters of the Maryland law that requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel. This certificate is non-renewable and must be carried by the person at all times while operating a vessel. Officers may ask to see the certificate during a vessel check, and, if not provided, a person can be charged with a minimum of $25 for the first offense and up to $500 for each offense thereafter.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Fathers Day at Deep Creek Lake 2008

I enjoyed a wonderful Fathers Day at Deep Creek Lake State Park over the weekend. We went for a picnic on Sunday and hung out near the state park beach. My daughter Kayleah played on the rocks and searched for different kinds of bugs and creepy cralwies. My grand parents were with me, as well as my in-laws. It was about 85 degrees and sunny, and the water is almost warm enough that it doesn't take your breath when you jump in...almost.

After the picnic, we went took the boat down to a friends house at Turkey Neck. There was a sailboat race in progress and we decided to do a little bit of fishing from the dock. I personally didn't catch anything, but I did witness my cousin lose a 12" bass as she tried to pull it up out of the water...it was entertaining, to say the least.

We wrapped up a sun filled day with some dinner from Grizzly Grillin & some ice cream from the Creamery (thanks for the Fathers Day FREE scoop, by the way!). Coconut & chocolate butter fudge go together better than you would imagine. I also have it on good authority that Bill Meagher, the owner of the Creamery, is working on beer flavored ice cream...stay tuned!

Deep Creek Marina at Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Marina, originally uploaded by deepcreeklocal.

The signs are up and construction seems to be finished on the new building for Deep Creek Marina at Deep Creek Lake!

Make sure to contact Deep Creek Marina for all of your Deep Creek Lake boating and recreational needs! They have lots of great options for new and used boats, waverunners, ATV’s, snowmobiles, motorcycles and more! Check out their impressive new showroom on Garrett Highway & Deep Creek Drive in McHenry!