Be Careful On The Potomac

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Natural Resources Police say they plan to patrol aggressively on waterways across the state this holiday weekend.

Natural Resources Police say officers will target boaters driving in a reckless or negligent manner or under the influence of alcohol. And they will also be making sure boaters have required safety equipment.

Authorities also are advising boaters to keep a cautious eye on the upper Potomac River, where recent rains had pushed the river to hazardous levels. NRP says an advisory for the upper Potomac has expired, but any significant additional rainfall could cause hazardous conditions again.

NRP says last year its officers responded to more than 323 boating accidents that led to 13 deaths.
~ Associated Press Story taken from here.

Montgomery County Fire and EMS crews will be handing out hundreds of these fliers in Great Falls Park reminding people that you cannot swim, wade, or drink alcohol there.

Because as enticing as the Potomac is this time of year, it is always dangerous. Crews pulled a 12 year old boy who was swimming near White's Ferry after he became fatigued and couldn't make it on his own.

Mark Gleason, who patrols the C & O Canal on bicycle for the US Park Service, says the Potomac is very deceptive.

In some places, the power of the Potomac is obvious. But in others--a deadly hazard lurks beneath the tranquil surface.

"Most of the accidents people here are when they step in and the water is much faster underneath and it sweeps them away."

~ Read more at MyFoxDC.com here.

All this talk about the swollen waters of the Potomac is a reminder that it's the best time to see the river's Great Falls, the most awesome natural sight in the DC Metro area. The Falls' Maryland shore offers more access points for an up-close, intimate view of the river and the C & O Canal. The view from the Virginia shore is simply spectacular.

The Maryland side is accessible through the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park. Access to the Virginia side is through Great Falls Park. Both are National Park Service facilities.