For Release: May 22, 1997

Contact: Michael Scanlon 277-3070

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - Safe boating patrols will be stepped up on Memorial Day weekend in a joint operation conducted by the RI Department of Environmental Management's conservation officers, Coast Guard Units from Castle Hill and Point Judith, and local harbormasters.

The patrols will be watching for anyone boating while intoxicated or operating recklessly, and will conduct safety equipment checks and document proper registration at both salt and fresh water locations. Hours will vary continuously throughout the weekend.

And, as the recreational boating season gets underway this weekend, Michael Scanlon, DEM's Boating Safety Coordinator has some tips for all boaters:

• Keep your safety equipment in good shape
• Check out your boat before you launch; and remember the boat plug
• Be familiar with the area and watch the weather
• Wear your life jacket. It floats - you don't!

"Rhode Island law," Scanlon says, "requires children 10 years of age and younger to always wear a life jacket when underway on a boat less than 26 feet in length. But it makes sense for everyone to wear one.

"When a person falls overboard, hypothermia, or exposure, prevents him or her from being able to stay afloat unless wearing a life jacket," Scanlon said. "The simple act of wearing a life jacket can prevent most fatalities from these types of accidents." In Rhode Island last year, there was a boating fatality from such a fall off a boat. "The boater was not wearing a life jacket, developed hypothermia, and drowned," Scanlon said.

Scanlon has another word of caution. "Boating and alcohol can be a dangerous combination, and it is against the law to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol. Have a designated operator."

As DEM's boating safety officer, Scanlon makes public appearances and takes an educational show to as many public events as he can. The exhibit, which includes a boat (with life jackets) will next be at Woonsocket's Public Safety Fair sponsored by the Woonsocket Police Department May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Dunn Park.

"Boating is important to Rhode Islanders," Scanlon says, "and it's a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend the summer months. We want to make sure it stays that way."