Governor's Cup Yacht Race Scheduled for August 3-4

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Governor’s Cup Yacht Race” is scheduled to occur during August 3-4, 2012, with up to 150 participating sailboats (24 to 75 ft in length) competing on two courses planned for the annual overnight sail race. The 70-mile distance race on the Chesapeake Bay will start near the mouth of the Severn River at Annapolis, Maryland between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, and finish in the St. Mary’s River at St. Mary’s City, Maryland by 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

     A 47-mile distance race on the Potomac River will start near Dahlgren, Virginia at 6 p.m. on Friday and also finish in the St. Mary’s River at St. Mary’s City, Maryland by 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

     Additional information can be obtained from the Sailing Association on the St. Mary's College of Maryland website at www.smcm.edu/govcup.

     For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12280, 12285.

Middle River Dinghy Poker Run This Weekend

     Essex, Md. -- Mariners are advised that a poker run is scheduled to occur on Middle River in Baltimore County, Maryland on Saturday, July 28, 2012 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Approximately 300 participating inflatable dinghies, with lengths of 10-12 feet, will start and finish at the Middle River Yacht Club. Safety patrol personnel on scene can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12278

Swimmers Take to the Water Saturday in Chestertown

     Chestertown, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Dragonfly Heart Triathlon” is scheduled to occur in the Chester River on Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Approximately 300 swimmers will compete on a designated course marked with inflatable buoys located near Wilmer Park at Chestertown, Maryland. Participants will be supported by sponsor-provided watercraft. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12272.

Body of Missing Boater in Harford County Recovered

     Harford County, Md. -- Maryland Natural Resource Police (NRP) Officers recovered the body of Kamhou Zairavong, 35, of Edgewood. Zairavong was boating on the Bush River with a friend on the evening of July 15 when he was whisked away by a current while swimming.

     NRP units discovered the victim’s body today at 7:20 a.m. near where he was last seen swimming in the vicinity of 2021 Park Beach Drive in Aberdeen. Zairavong’s body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

     NRP reminds citizens to wear life jackets when boating and swimming.

Centennial ScoutFleet Boat Parade Saturday at Baltimore's Inner Harbor

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Centennial ScoutFleet 2012 at Baltimore” boat parade is scheduled to occur in Baltimore Harbor on Saturday, July 21, 2012. The event consists of 20 Sea Scout vessels operating on a parade route located between the Inner Harbor and the Fort McHenry Angle in Baltimore, Maryland from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The official patrol vessel can be contacted via marine band radio VHF-FM 16. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at telephone (410) 576-2674 or e-mail Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Pa. Man Falls from Boat, Drowns in Bohemia River

     Chesapeake City, Md. -- At around 2 p.m. on July 10, Natural Resources Police (NRP) officers were sent out to a possible drowning at the Two Rivers Yacht Basin located on the Bohemia River in Chesapeake City. 

     It was reported that the victim, James Brior, 80, and his wife of Downingtown Pennsylvania were cleaning their boat when Mr. Brior fell overboard. Mrs. Brior heard her husband, who had been on the bow of the boat, yell for help. She threw a life jacket and a line to him; however Mr. Brior was unable to reach either one before slipping under the surface of the water. 

     Approximately 10 minutes later Mr. Brior was pulled from the water by two employees of the yacht basin and a good samaritan. Mr. Brior was transported to Union Hospital in Elkton and was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m. It was reported that Mr. Brior normally wore a life jacket when he was cleaning the boat but was not wearing one at the time. According to his family he was strong swimmer and in good health. An autopsy was scheduled July 11 to determine the cause of death.

'Maryland Swim for Life' this Saturday on the Chester River

     Chestertown, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “21st Annual Maryland Swim for Life” is scheduled to occur on the Chester River on Saturday, July 14, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Approximately 200 swimmers will operate parallel to the shoreline on a course marked with large orange inflatable buoys located between Rolph’s Wharf and a location upriver for approximately 3 miles, before returning to Rolph’s Wharf.

     Swimmers will be supported by sponsor-provided kayaks and motorized launches. Coast Guard special local regulations establish a regulated area on the Chester River, shoreline to shoreline, bounded on the south by a line drawn at 39°10′16″ N near Chester River Channel Buoy 35 (LLN-26795) and bounded on the north at 39°12′30″ N by the Maryland SR-213 highway bridge at Chestertown, MD. This area will be enforced from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 14, 2012. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area.

     Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or 22A. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12272.

Sharptown Powerboat Races This Weekend on the Nanticoke

     Sharptown, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Bo Bowman Memorial Regatta” power boat races will be held on the Nanticoke River on Saturday, July 14, 2012 and on Sunday, July 15, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event consists of various classes of highspeed power boats operating on a marked, racetrack-type course.
     As described in Title 33 CFR Section 100.501, a regulated area is established on the Nanticoke River near Sharptown, Maryland, between the Maryland S.R. 313 Highway Bridge and Nanticoke River Light 43 (LLN–24175), bounded by a line drawn between the following points: Southeasterly from latitude 38°32′46″ N, longitude 075°43′14″ W, to latitude 38°32′42″ N, longitude 075°43′09″ W, thence northeasterly to latitude 38°33′04″ N, longitude 075°42′39″ W, thence northwesterly to latitude 38°33′09″ N, longitude 075°42′44″ W, thence southwesterly to latitude 38°32′46″ N, longitude 075°43′14″ W.
     This area will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 14, 2012 and July 15, 2012. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16.
     The Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of this area by federal, state and local agencies. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12261.

Sound Level Check Available at Rogues Harbor July 28

     Annapolis, Md. -- Maryland Natural Resources Police will be conducting courtesy sound level testing on July 28 from 10 am-3 pm at the Elk Neck State Park Rogues Harbor boat launch.
    The results of the courtesy sound level check are not official and will not be held against boaters. The purpose of the check is to educate boaters on sound level requirements and provide an unofficial idea of a vessel's decibel level.

Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge Sailing Race Runs July 15-17

     Solomons, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA) will sponsor its annual “Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge” sailing races on the Chesapeake Bay, from Sunday, July 15, 2012 through Tuesday, July 17, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
     Approximately 150 participating sailboats will race in three fleets, each operating within a separate, designated course area, located at the mouth of the Patuxent River near Cedar Point, Drum Point and Little Cove Point, Maryland.
     Interested mariners may contact the SMSA’s Chief Race Officer aboard the 53-foot Hatteras “MAVOURNEEN” on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or at telephone (301) 481-8665. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12270.

Rock Hall Channel Dredging is Complete

     Rock Hall, Md. -- The entrance to Rock Hall Harbor is now straighter and deeper allowing boaters easier and safer access to the area's many restaurants, marinas and marine related services.

     “The measures taken will certainly provide for safe passage in and out of our harbor, as navigating the entrance was becoming very treacherous at times,” said Rock Hall Mayor Bob Willis. “Our local economy will see a gain from this action and during these uncertain economic times, it surely is needed.”

     The Kent County Department of Public Works contracted with Dissen & Juhn Corporation based in Stevensville, Maryland, for the dredging. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Boating Services provided technical assistance and funding. Approximately 6,400-cubic yards of silt and clay was removed from the entrance of Rock Hall Harbor and transported in watertight trucks to an existing dredge material placement site approximately seven miles from the town. The project, completed June 5, took a little over a month.

     The channel is now a minimum of seven feet deep at low tide and has been realigned to follow a straight, Coast Guard-marked channel. It is expected that the new, straight alignment will better flush the harbor, slowing the deposit of silt and allowing the channel to stay navigable for a longer period of time. The channel was previously angled to the west, causing sand to frequently fill the channel from the northwest side.

     “Governor Martin O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly strongly support waterway improvement projects like this one, that benefit the local community, help to create jobs and improve the quality of life for our citizens,” said Lisa Gutierrez, acting director of DNR Boating Services.

     Project funding was provided through a State Waterway Improvement Fund grant of $230,663. Revenue for the fund comes from the one time, five-percent excise tax, paid when a boat is purchased and titled in Maryland. The State Waterway Improvement Program has funded more than 4,500 grant projects valued in excess of $300 million in the development of over 300 public boating access sites statewide.

Enjoy Your Holiday, Play It Safe

     Baltimore, Md. -- The Fourth of July is one of the busiest holiday weekends and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages boaters to have fun, stay safe, and make it home alive.

     The Army Corps hosts 370 million visits annually at its more than 400 lake and river projects where people enjoy fishing, boating, hiking and more. While outdoor recreation is fun and healthy, the Corps urges visitors to expect the unexpected and think about these four safety tips this Fourth of July.

Wear a life jacket.
• Statistics show that 90 percent of those who drown at USACE lakes and rivers may have survived if they had worn a life jacket.
• Drowning is the nation’s second leading cause of accidental death.

• Expect the unexpected. Accidents happen, even to responsible boaters. A life jacket can provide time for rescue.

Know your swimming ability.
• Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool because a swimmer can tire more quickly and get into trouble.

• Conditions can change quickly in open water.

• Swim in designated areas and wear a life jacket. A life jacket will help conserve energy and provide flotation.

Be a “Water Watcher.”
• When on or near the water watch your children.

• A child can drown in 20 seconds.

• Drowning happens quickly and quietly. A drowning victim’s head will be back, they will be gasping for air, they will not be yelling, and their arms will be slapping the water as though trying to climb out of the water.

Avoid exhaust fumes around boats.
• Carbon monoxide, an invisible killer, can accumulate anywhere in or around boats regardless of what type of boat. Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors on and inside your boat. Maintain a fresh circulation of air through and around your boat at all times.
• Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include eye irritation, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness. Know the signs and stay alive.

• Avoid areas around boats where exhaust fumes may be present. Do not let friends swim under or around the boarding platform where fumes can accumulate.

CBPBA Central Poker Run to Feature 'Survivor' Theme

     Stevensville, Md. -- The Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association has scheduled its Central Poker Run 2012 for August 4. This year the Central Poker Run brings the adventure and teamwork of the TV show Survivor to the Chesapeake. The Run will include not only traditional poker hands but team events where Survivor “Squadrons” can earn bonus items and in keeping with the tradition of Survivor, the will also be an individual “bonus” idol hidden during the Run for you to find.

     Here is the event schedule:

9:00 – 11:00 Hemingway’s Outdoor Pavilion - Sign in, get some breakfast, get your first card, and participate in your first Survivor Challenge. (Hot breakfast and the usuals - Muffins, Donuts, Juice, Coffee, Water).
10:00 – 10:15 Mandatory Captains Meeting – event details, game rules, and safety information.
11:15 Depart for first card stop - Harbour Shack dock in Rock Hall.
12:30 – 2:30 Chester River Raft up, third card and second Survivor Challenge.
2:30 - 3:00 Head back to Red Eyes, and meet at the Mears Marina Pool Pavilion.
3:00 – 4:00 Final Survivor Challenge in the Pavilion.
4:00 – 5:00 Hit the Pool.
5:00 End of Poker Run.
5:00 – 7:30 Poker Run Wrap and Tribal Counsel – Mears Marina Pool Pavilion (Kent Narrows).
5:00 – Happy Hour (beer, water, Mikes Lemonade provided).
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Playing of the Poker Hands and 50/50! Trophies and more for the top three winner.
     To register visit cbpba.com.

Boater's Body Recovered Near Chesapeake Beach

     Chesapeake Beach, Md. -- On the evening of Sunday, July 1, in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, the Maryland Natural Resources Police recovered the body of a missing boater identified as 26-year-old Angel Giovani Ayala Cerros.

     The body of Mr. Cerros was recovered in the Chesapeake Bay late Sunday near Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County. The fatality was the result of the heavy winds and storms that came through the area late Friday night. The storm caused the boat he was on to overturn and capsize.

     Four other people that were on the vessel at the time of the accident were rescued early Saturday morning. Mr. Cerros was from Alexandria Va. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy. The Maryland Natural Resources Police Special Operations Division continues the investigation into this fatal boating accident.

Annapolis Yacht Club Regattas Begin July 6

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the 2012 Annapolis Yacht Club’s Regattas (15 sail racing events) are scheduled to occur on the Chesapeake Bay, most held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the following dates: July 6-8 and July 21; September 29-30; October 6, October 13-14, October 20-21 and October 27-28; and November 3 and November 17-18. The races will occur near the mouth of the Severn River, between the William P. Lane Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake Bay) Bridges and Bloody Point (Kent Island), Maryland. For additional information, interested persons may link to individual events by contacting the AYC Regatta Management website at www.race.annapolisyc.org. Chart 12270.

Maryland DNR Reminds Boaters and Swimmers of Safe Practices for Independence Day

     Annapolis, Md. -- With the Fourth of July nearing, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Natural Resources Police (NRP) are urging citizens and visitors to be extra vigilant in and on the water for the holiday and throughout the summer.

    “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the wonderful recreational opportunities our State has to offer, on water and land, to the fullest,” said Superintendent Colonel George F. Johnson IV. “But the importance of safety while boating and swimming cannot be overstated and must be a number one priority while enjoying Maryland waterways and State Parks.”

     Last year, Maryland experienced an unusually high number of boating deaths. Over the summer, NRP will focus their enforcement efforts on those activities that contribute to boating accidents, such as alcohol, negligent operation, bow riding and navigational violations.

     NRP recommends that swimmers stay within designated swimming areas with lifeguards on duty whenever possible. Lifeguards keep all swimmers informed of any changes in water conditions and are trained to respond if an emergency occurs.

     NRP also offers the following swimming safety tips:
When swimming outside guarded areas, obey all warning signs that alert swimmers to dangers and be aware of any surrounding signs or markers that indicate current water conditions.
Never swim alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Pay special attention to small children and use safety devices such as life jackets on children or other individuals who cannot swim.
Carry a cell phone or have other ways of contacting emergency personnel if a situation arises.

      If an emergency occurs, immediately call 911 and remember to Reach, Throw, Row and Go:

REACH the person in trouble by extending a releasable item, such as a pole, line or rope to pull them to safety ─ but not by hand, as the rescuer could quickly become another victim.
THROW an object that floats to the victim if they are unreachable. Life rings, PFDs, coolers or plastic jugs are suitable floating objects that can keep a troubled swimmer afloat until rescuers arrive.
ROW to the victim using a canoe or any other safe watercraft. The rescuer must wear a life jacket. Once the victim is nearby, a rope or paddle should be extended and used to tow the victim to shore if possible.
GO to the victim by entering the water as a last resort and ONLY if properly trained. The rescuer should bring an object to keep the victim afloat and to prevent being pulled under.

     More information on boating safety is available at dnr.maryland.gov/boating/safety.