Patrols increase on Md. waterways

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police will step up patrols this weekend and urge boaters to follow safety rules during the unofficial start of summer.

A new law that went into effect in April requires that children under age 13 wear a personal flotation device while under way on a craft less than 21 feet long.

NRP officials said 16 of the 17 people fatally injured in boating accidents last year were not wearing life vests. Alcohol and drugs were a factor in seven fatal boating accidents, they said.

-- Associated Press