July 2, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 225

For more information, contact Capt. Aaron Hurd, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-855-1901, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Boaters, take note: channel section near Massey’s Landing
newly marked ‘slow no wake’ for boating safety reasons

Boaters heading out of Massey’s Landing near Millsboro or boating on Indian River Bay need to be aware that a short section of the channel between Massey’s Ditch and Pot-Nets Seaside along Middle Island has been designated and newly marked as a “slow no wake” zone, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section announced today.

“This part of the channel is very narrow and shoaled in, so in the interest of keeping boaters safer we have marked this section as a no-wake area,” said Capt. Aaron Hurd of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement’s Sussex County office.

The area was the scene of a fatal boating accident involving excessive speed in August 2008, when a jet ski collided with a fishing boat, Capt. Hurd added.

With the long holiday weekend ahead and good weather in the forecast, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement would also like to remind boaters to follow safe boating practices while enjoying Delaware waterways. Good practices include wearing life jackets, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding excessive speed, especially when large numbers of watercraft are present.

“All vessel operators must be very careful and maintain a proper lookout when navigating heavily congested areas,” Capt. Hurd said. “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.” 

For more on safe boating practices, please visit www.fw.delaware.gov and click on Office of Boating Safety.