Delaware

8 tips to stay safe while boating this summer

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2024

8 tips to stay safe while boating this summer

DNREC has released several tips to stay safe while boating, and has launched new life rings at Woodland Beach. (From left: Citizens’ Hose Company members Keith Mapps, Fire Chief Chip Thompson, John Morgan, retired State Senator and board member Bruce C. Ennis, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Pat Emory and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. Photo from DNREC)

A Delaware agency wants to make sure those hitting the open seas are safe this summer.

Wednesday, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced eight tips for water enthusiasts to follow.

The department’s Division of Fish and Wildlife joined Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company to highlight recently installed buoyant life rings at DNREC’s Woodland Beach fishing pier and boat ramp.

DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin said that having the familiar circular life preservers close at hand can save a life when someone is in the water and in trouble.

“Some of our fishing piers and boat ramps already have these life rings,” he said. “With the Citizens’ Hose Company and their stalwart member and longtime president, former State Senator Bruce Ennis, we now have these rings available at Woodland Beach.”

Here are the eight critical tips:

Life Jackets for Children: State law requires children aged 12 and younger to wear life jackets while underway. It’s recommended for everyone on board to wear a life jacket. Those over 12 not wearing a life jacket must have one easily accessible and properly fitted on board.
Life Jackets for All: Encourage all passengers aged 13 and older to wear life jackets.
Slow No Wake Zones: Adhere to “Slow No Wake” areas to prevent accidents and damage.
Maintain Vigilance: Keep a watchful eye and maintain a safe distance from other vessels.
Navigation Lights: Ensure navigation lights are working during times of low visibility, such as rain and fog, and at night.
Safety Equipment: Carry a boating education card and required safety equipment appropriate for your vessel size, including a sound-producing device like a horn or whistle, a fire extinguisher, a Type IV throwable (such as a USCG-approved cushion or ring buoy), and navigation lights.
Canoes, Kayaks and Paddle Boards: These vessels require life jackets on board and a whistle or other sound-producing device. A flashlight is also required if operating during times of low visibility and after sunset.
Sober Operation: Alcohol use is a leading cause of fatal boating accidents. Always designate a sober operator to helm the boat.

There’s also a required boater safety course for individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 1978.

The online course reviews navigation rules, boat parts, state boating laws, and required safety equipment.

Boaters must carry proof of completion, as it serves as a driver’s license on the water.

Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.

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Delaware

Body found near Bowers Beach – 47abc

Published

10 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Press Room

BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Delaware State Police say a body was found near Bowers Beach on Tuesday.

Around 12:40 p.m. on April 21, Delaware State Police, Delaware Natural Resources Police and local fire companies responded to the Delaware Bay, about a mile offshore from the Bowers Beach area after commercial watermen discovered an unknown deceased man in the water.

The victim was recovered and turned over to the Office of Forensic Science for identification and to determine the cause of death.

The investigation remains active and on-going.

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Delaware

Humane Society of Delaware County picks new CEO

Published

22 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Press Room

Humane Society of Delaware County picks new CEO

The Humane Society of Delaware County has appointed a new leader as the organization’s longtime director moves toward retirement.

The animal rescue group’s board appointed Amanda Wampler as its new CEO, effective May 11, the organization posted on Facebook April 21.

Jana Cassidy, the humane society’s executive director for nearly a decade, is transitioning toward retirement and will now serve as chief operating officer in the near term to ensure a smooth transition.

The post from society Board President Megan Ricci says the board is confident Cassidy’s and Wampler’s experience, dedication and talents will elevate the humane society as it strives to build a new 22,000-square-foot facility that will be a go-to destination for adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, and grooming.

“HSDC could not be in better hands than with these two extraordinary women,” the post reads.

Wampler is a proven nonprofit executive with experience in animal welfare and a demonstrated ability to help organizations expand and thrive, according to the humane society’s post.

Wampler currently is the national operations director for Siemer Institute, a Columbus-based organization that helps families across the U.S. achieve housing stability and enhance their children’s educational prospects, according to Wampler’s LinkedIn page. She also worked for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department from 2016 to 2023.

Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X

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