Maritime Museum will be Free in February

Thanks to generous sponsor support, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will be offering free admission Monday through Friday during the month of February. Free admission covers access to the entire museum, including the working boatyard and 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, as well as numerous permanent and changing exhibitions along CBMM’s waterfront campus in historic St. Michaels, Md.

The Free in February program includes President’s Day and is only made possible through the generous sponsor support of the Talbot Bank and Awful Arthur’s of St. Michaels, Md. February museum guests will also receive a discount card offer for 15% off all meals at Awful Arthur’s through March 15, 2016.

“Winter offers a great time to explore our 12 exhibition buildings and beautiful campus, especially while enjoying the town’s great restaurants, shops, hotels and inns,” said CBMM’s President Kristen Greenaway. “We have a great number of inside exhibitions for all ages to enjoy, the waterfowl are abundant along a quieter harbor and the Miles River, and you can see great things happening in our boatyard as education programs and the restoration of our historic fleet of Chesapeake vessels ramp up in the colder months.”

Guests can also take in CBMM 50th anniversary exhibition, A Broad Reach: 50 Years of Collecting, which features 50 significant objects that have been accessioned into the museum’s collection over the past 50 years, and is presented on both floors of the Steamboat Building. The exhibition will be closing to the public in 2016.

Admission will be free weekdays in February for all museum guests. General admission is otherwise good for two consecutive days and is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students with ID, $6 for children 6-17, and free for museum members and children five and under. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Inclement weather closings are announced on the museum’s website at www.cbmm.org.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, CBMM is the only museum in the world preserving and exploring the history, environment, and people of the entire Chesapeake Bay. For more information, call 410-745-2916 or visit www.cbmm.org.

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.

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.

Robert Gaudette Named Admiral Of The Chesapeake

     Annapolis, Md. -- Governor Martin O’Malley has designated Robert P. Gaudette Admiral of the Chesapeake for his outstanding leadership in public access and environmental initiatives and service to the State and its citizens. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin presented Gaudette, newly retired from his position as DNR Director of Boating Services, with the award during his farewell celebration on May 31.

     “Mr. Gaudette has been a tireless advocate for boating access within our State’s waterways and the Chesapeake Bay throughout his 32 years with DNR,” said Governor O’Malley. “He exemplifies outstanding leadership and public service, and he understands the vital connection between our environment and our children’s future. That’s why he is more than deserving of the Admiral of the Chesapeake award.”

     The Admiral of the Chesapeake is awarded by Maryland’s Governor to those who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, its surrounding landscapes, and the life that inhabits them. This lifetime achievement award is the highest honor the Governor can bestow on an individual for environmental contributions, and is given on an as-merited basis. 

     “Bob ranks in the top one percent of public servants that I have been honored to work with over my long career,” said Griffin. “He has been a valued leader for the Department and will be missed by me and all of his fellow colleagues.” 

     Gaudette joined the DNR family in 1981, serving as Director of several programs including Waterway Improvement, Engineering and Construction, and most recently, Boating Services. For the past five years, Gaudette has done an exemplary job in overseeing the funding and technical services for boating access, dredging and navigation projects, and leading advancements in waterway planning, boating regulations, Clean Marinas, marine sewage pumpouts and several State marina facilities. 

     Before his time at DNR, Gaudette worked as Assistant County Engineer with the Talbot County Department of Public Works where he coordinated public boating access and other projects for the County.  

     He was raised in Cambridge, Maryland and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and his master’s from Johns Hopkins University. 

     “I have very much enjoyed my time at DNR and working alongside other knowledgeable and dedicated people who share a common goal and passion to improve and promote the Chesapeake Bay,” said Gaudette. 

     Gaudette was also recently appointed by Governor O’Malley to the State Marine Contractors Licensing Board.

Bodies of Two Men Recovered After Boating Accidents

     Annapolis, Md. -- Two men from Maryland have died in separate boating incidents over the Memorial Day weekend. The bodies of the men were recovered about an hour apart Monday.

     Maryland Natural Resources Police report that at about 12:30 p.m. the body of David Whitlow, 43, of Hebron, was found. He died as a result of an apparent boating accident Sunday night in the Kent Narrows area.

     Shortly thereafter, police recovered the body of Brandon M. Greene, 21, of Edgewood. Greene disappeared Sunday afternoon after jumping off a boat and into the Chesapeake Bay near Howell Point.

     The deaths are less than a week after the end of national Safe Boating Week that raises awareness of the importance of life jackets.

     Maryland had 24 boating deaths last year, nearly double the state's average.

Maryland DNR Reminds Citizens To Practice Water Safety

     Annapolis, Md. -- With Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer right around the corner, many people will be heading outdoors to enjoy our state’s waterways and beaches. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions that these areas will not be staffed with lifeguards until the Memorial Day weekend and urges everyone to be extra vigilant in and around the water.

     “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities our state has to offer, but safety is always our first priority,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “We are asking everyone to research their activities before heading outdoors and exercise caution and good judgment when swimming, especially as State Park beaches are not yet guarded.”

     The Maryland Natural Resources Police offer the following swimming safety tips:
Pay special attention to small children and use safety devices such as life jackets on children or other individuals who cannot swim.
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.
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. A life ring, PFD, cooler or plastic jug is suitable floating objects that can keep a troubled swimmer afloat until rescues 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.

Maryland NRP Celebrates National Safe Boating Week

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) and local boat insurance provider, Jack Martin/Avon-Dixon, encourage the public to join them in wearing a lifejacket to work on Friday, May 18. The state initiative kicks off National Safe Boating Week, May 19 to 23, by raising awareness on the importance of these life saving devices.

     “The simple act of wearing a lifejacket could mean the difference between life and death during a boating accident,” said NRP Superintendent Colonel George F. Johnson IV. “If we can prevent one fatality on Maryland waterways by reminding the public to wear a lifejacket, we have accomplished our goal.”

     By encouraging everyone to wear a lifejacket in a non-typical setting, such as at work, NRP hopes to heighten public awareness and foster discussion on the importance of boating safety.

     Last year alone, Maryland had 24 boating deaths- nearly double the ten year average of 13. Nationwide, approximately 75 to 80 percent of boating deaths are due to drowning, many of which could have been prevented with the use of a life jacket.

     “We are pleased to have the opportunity to team up with the Natural Resources Police for this cause,” said Jon Horton of Jack Martin/Avon-Dixon. “We feel that this is a great way to remind everyone just how important these devices are. It has also been educational experience for all of us, giving our office a forum to discuss the different makes and models of lifejackets that each of us brought to work.”

     Jack Martin/Avon-Dixon and NRP will hold free, boating-safety vessel inspections at the following locations:
Newcomb, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 20 at the Oak Creek Boat Ramp
Stevensville, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 2 at the Matapeake Fishing Pier

     NRP and the Minor league Baseball team, the Bowie Baysox, will host Stay Safe on the Bay with the Baysox at the team’s May 24 home game at 7 p.m. NRP’s Boating Safety Unit, Color Guard and mascot, PFD Panda will be on hand to the share their boating safety message. NRP and the Coast Guard will also be at City Dock in Annapolis with displays and demonstrations raising awareness on safe boating in Maryland’s waterways on May 26.

     For more information on Maryland Boating Safety visit dnr.maryland.gov/boating/safety.

Annapolis Community Boating Day Thursday at West Marine

     Annapolis, Md. -- Thursday, April 19, at the West Marine on Hillsmere Drive will be Community Day. West Marine has graciously picked Annapolis Community Boating to be the beneficiary of this event and will donate 5 percent of all sales from the store that day. 

 The store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store is located at 113 Hillsmere Drive. Phone: 410-268-0129.

West Marine Community Day Coming to Annapolis

     Annapolis, Md. -- West Marine Community Day to support Annapolis Community Boating is scheduled for April 19. Do you need new foul weather gear, glasses or boating shoes? Maybe safety equipment for your boat (remember flares expire!). If so, save your shopping til April 19 at West Marine in Hillsmere. ACB will receive 5 percent of all purchases that day. There will also be a cookout that day so you won't go hungry.