Area Closed For Ocean City Boat Races On May 13

Ocean City, MD - 5/10/2012

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) and the Coast Guard remind boaters that a section of the Atlantic Ocean off of Ocean City will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 13 for the Offshore Powerboat Races.

The closed area stretches between 3rd Street and 30th Street, extending one mile offshore. The area will be marked with buoys and patrolled by police boats. Designated race support boats will be allowed in the security zone to assist the competitors. For the safety of racers and spectators, all other boats and vessels are prohibited from entering the restricted area or interfering with the race.

Boaters should expect delays and congestion at the West Ocean City Public Ramp during practice day on May 12, and on May 13, as race boats are loaded and unloaded. The boats will leave the ramp and continue through the Ocean Inlet to the race area.

NRP reminds boaters to stay safe during boating season by remembering the Acronym “SAFE”

• S – Survey or inspect the vessel for seaworthiness prior to leaving the dock. Inspect its hull, engine, navigation light and equipment to ensure proper working conditions.
• A – Anticipate the weather conditions and match those conditions with the boats size and the driver’s ability and dress accordingly.
• F – File a float plan. Boaters should tell a friend or relative where they’re going, their length of stay and time they expect to be back into port. This is important information to help in the search if someone goes missing.
• E – Equipment. Inspect and have all the necessary items on board and ready for use, especially all life saving equipment. This includes fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, sound producing device, VHF radio and life jackets. NRP recommends all boaters wear life jackets while on the water.