Police Ramping Up Water Patrols After Near-Fatal Jet Ski Accident

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A jet ski accident in Anne Arundel County left one man fighting for his life. The incident is just the latest that have police ramping up patrols on Maryland waterways.

Rick Ritter has more on what's already been a deadly summer for boaters.

Last year, the number of fatalities in Maryland hit a record high. Right now, we're nowhere near that, but we've certainly seen a surge over the past few weeks.

On Maryland waterways, summer is in full swing. But weeks into the season, there have already been several people killed.

"It has been relatively rough this summer with five fatalities already," said Julie Brown, DNR Police.

On Wednesday, a summer night turned to horror in Anne Arundel County. Several people witnessed a jet skier get thrown into the water while riding, leaving him unconscious in the water and now fighting for his life, accidents that are becoming all too common.

"Operator inattention and alcohol are two of our biggest issues," said Brown.

Wednesday's accident is just the latest in what has been a tragic few weeks on the water. Fourth of July weekend, a Maryland father and his eight-year-old son were killed after crashing their jet ski into another in south Jersey. Just days before that, a man drowned after jumping overboard to try and retrieve his hat. That man wasn't wearing a life jacket--a common theme in these tragedies so far this summer.

"It's very difficult not to get emotional because it's as simple as just putting it on and wearing it," said Brown.

One reason why they're now cracking down.

"We have to absolutely terminate those voyages and then issue citations for their safety," said Matt Bentley, DNR.

DNR police say they have been increasing patrols on the weekend, doing everything they can to prevent another summer like last year's.

Police say the man from Wednesday's accident is still in the hospital. As far as they know, there hasn't been any improvement in his condition.