MD Natural Resources Police Ponder Mysterious Spike In Boating Deaths

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WUSA) -- Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, Maryland Natural Resources Police will be focusing on stopping a mysterious spike in the number of people killed out on the water this season.

To date, there have been 14 boating deaths in Maryland in 2009. That's 40% higher than average, and there is still plenty of boating season left.

While there have been a number of serious collisions involving boats, the vast majority of victims have died from drowning.

"Most of these deaths occur after people end up in the water without a life jacket," says Sgt. Art Windemuth of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. "Almost all of this is completely preventable."

Boating safety experts say boaters should view personal flotation devices as mandatory equipment to use the way they view seat belts and airbags in cars.

Windemuth says authorities have no data pointing to any cause for the rise in incidents in 2009.

Some theorize that lower gas prices have drawn more boaters to the water than in years past.