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Fatalities On Md. Waterways On The Rise

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Fatalities on our state's waterways are rising. So far this summer, we have already surpassed last year's deaths by five.

Tracey Leong explains how police and fire officials are ramping up forces as a result.

Police say this is one of the deadliest summers on the water. And with Labor Day weekend just around the corner, they're on high alert.

Tragedy on Maryland waterways. Adrian Perez, 46, is the latest victim to lose his life. His body was found this week after his boat sank Sunday near the Bay Bridge.

So far this year, boating accidents have claimed 17 lives.

"All of them had one thing in common -- none of them thought that anything bad was going to happen to them that day," said Lt. Col. Ken Ziegler Junior, Maryland Natural Resources Police.

The oldest victim, 63-year-old Ronald Gressit, was crabbing with family when he fell overboard.

The youngest, seven-year-old Julianne Rosela, was struck and killed by a speed boat.

These deaths are becoming an all too familiar sight for police and fire crews.

"There's times in different situations I've had where the people said as soon as they noticed their boat taking on water, within two minutes, it already went under," said Lt. Aaron Parker, Natural Resources Police.

Out of the 17 boating deaths, police say 14 of them could have possibly been avoided if they were simply wearing a life jacket.

Officials say it only takes one minute for adults to drown and 20 seconds for a child -- a precaution boater Tim Miller doesn't take lightly, especially with his two young kids on board.

"It's important that you get back home," he said.

Rescuers say it's a simple thing to do, and it could save your life.

"It's not one of those things you just like to keep out on your car. You can't just click it on when the accident's getting ready to occur," said Chief Allan Graves, Anne Arundel County Fire Department.

Police say if you are under the age of 14 and you're on a boat that's less than 21 feet in length, they say it's required by law to wear a life jacket.

There is one month left of the busy boating season. Officials say you can expect to see more officers out on the water, especially on Labor Day weekend.

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