Boaters should be aware of on-the-water activity in Commencement Bay
OLYMPIA – Sept. 11, 2018 – The Washington State Parks Boating Program is hosting on-the-water vessel operator training for marine law enforcement personnel this month in Tacoma.
From Sept. 24 to 27, in the afternoons, boaters and the public can expect to see up to 15 law enforcement officers in vessels training on Commencement Bay. Training will include practice drills, stops, pursuits and shadowing techniques. The Boating Program requests that other boaters in the area avoid the vessels during these training sessions.
During the 30th annual Enhanced Vessel Operators Course, nearly 30 marine law enforcement officers from all around the state will participate in continuing education and training, share information and learn new technologies to help improve public safety on marine and fresh waters.
State Parks rangers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife police and local law enforcement authorities enforce Washington state’s boating laws. Each year, the Boating Program conducts more than a dozen on-the-water and in-class trainings on topics such as enforcing boating laws and conducting search-and-rescue operations.
For more information about the training course and the activities on the water, contact Hoyle Hodges, Boating Program Marine Law Enforcement Coordinator, (360) 701-3512 (mobile), hoyle.hodges@parks.wa.gov.
About the Washington State Boating Program
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission administers the state’s Boating Program, which provides leadership in boating safety and environmental education and outreach. The goal of the program is to reduce accidents and fatalities, increase stewardship of Washington waterways, and keep recreational boating a safe, accessible and enjoyable pastime. For more information on the Boating Program, visit www.parks.wa.gov/boating.
Media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Christina Fremont, (360) 902-8837
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.