The Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Section is an internationally-accredited law enforcement agency. Fish & Wildlife enforcement agents protect wildlife and fisheries resources, promote safe boating, hunting and fishing, and respond to boating emergencies. Specifically, the section employs a "LEAPS" philosophy:
- Law: Enforce state laws that govern the protection of all fish, wildlife, natural resources and boating activities.
- Education: Teach the public about the importance of boating and hunter safety and the ethical use of our natural resources.
- Awareness: Create public awareness of the need to protect, appreciate, conserve and share our natural resources through various programs.
- Protection: Respond to natural disasters and provide emergency response to all hunting, fishing, and boating accidents.
- Safety: Ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors who access our State waterways and lands.
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Get your free vessel safety check any summer weekend
Area boaters (including kayakers and canoeists) wanting a free vessel safety check should see Bill Tower on most Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9 a.m. and noon any summer weekend. He will be at Massey’s Landing on Saturday, and at the new DNREC ramp in Lewes, on Sunday. (Weather permitting) He will also make house calls (perform a vessel safety check at your residence) in the Millsboro-Lewes-Rehoboth area. Please call 302-945-3423 to set up a time and location for the safety check.
Note to all paddle craft users (kayaks, canoes, rowboats and paddle boards): USCG Navigation Rules require all vessels using coastal and inland waters of the United States to have a sound signal (whistle or horn) on board at all times. (Every means of transportation on these waters is a “vessel” under USCG rules.) So please attach a whistle to your life jacket, the only other item required on paddle craft. DNREC's Office of Boating Safety also will provide you with an ID decal that you can place on the craft, so it can be returned to you, if lost.
Remember to get your boat registration renewed if necessary and to check the date on your flares, and make sure you fire extinguisher is fully charged. All safety equipment must be on the vessel at the time of the Vessel Safety Check. If you have any questions on vessel checks, Bill Tower can be reached at 945-3423.
