DEM citing boaters, reminding people to check safety gear before hitting the water
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
WICKFORD, RI – The Department of Environmental Management was on the water and on the lookout, Friday, for boaters violating safety protocols and regulations.
ABC6 hopped aboard for a ride with DEM Police as they gave written warnings and citations ahead of what is forecasted to be a beautiful, but busy weekend for boaters.
"This time of year a lot of people get anxious to get out on the water,” said RI Environmental Police Officer, Kyle Murray.
Within a few hours, the DEM and ABC6 stopped a number of offenders missing required gear.
"Out of the 6 boats we had, there was only one that was 100% compliant and had all of the necessary gear,” said RI Environmental Police Officer, Anthony Esposito, at the end of the ride-along.
DEM Officers said they intend to be looking for a number of items aboard each boat throughout the summer. Some of those include visual distress signals, a whistle or sound-producing device and a fire extinguisher. At the top of the list are life jackets.
"The number one thing would be wearable life vests for everyone on board,” said Officer Esposito.
For those enjoying a cold drink, DEM is reminding folks that the rules of the road still apply; Drive sober or get pulled over.
"Big thing in the summer is boating under the influence. Just be mindful, have a sober operator on the boat,” said Murray.
For a full list of rules and regulations, click here: http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/enforce/boats98.pdf
