Maryland DNR issues summer swimming safety reminders

BALTIMORE, MD—As summer officially gets under way, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding people to take safety precautions when swimming in public areas.

The DNR stresses the importance of swimming near a lifeguard, staying sober while in or near the water, and never swimming alone.

DNR officials also recommend wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device when swimming or boating, and to not dive into the water head first.

If you see someone who is in distress near the water, the DNR says to reach, throw, and do not go. Reach out to the person with a long item or throw them something that floats. Do not jump in.

The DNR also reminds those who are boating to wear a life jacket for everyone on board. Children under 13 years old must also wear a life jacket when the boat is 21 feet or less.

“Drownings are more likely to occur when lifeguards are not present,” the DNR said in a statement. “In June, a man died while swimming in an unguarded section of Patapsco Valley State Park, in the park’s McKeldin Area, the same location as a death that occurred in 2023. Visitors should always look for signage that informs whether an area is unguarded, is off limits to swimming, or if there are unsafe conditions for swimming.”

The DNR says that some of the most popular swimming spots can fill to capacity on holidays and weekends. To check on current visitation and lifeguard availability, click here.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels