Boaters should be aware of on-the-water activity on the Columbia River
OLYMPIA – Sept. 11, 2019 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Boating Program is hosting the 31st Annual Marine Law Enforcement Conference this month in Vancouver.
The conference takes place Sept. 17 through 19 and includes on-the-water training. During this time, nearly 90 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.
The public can expect to see up to 20 law enforcement vessels training on the Columbia River near Vancouver during the afternoons of the Sept. 17 through 19. Boats will be practicing drills, stops and rescue techniques. The Boating Program requests that other boaters in the area avoid the vessels during these training sessions.
For more information about the training course and the activities on the water, contact Hoyle Hodges, Marine Law Enforcement Coordinator, (360) 701-3512 (mobile), hoyle.hodges@parks.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks rangers, Department of Fish and Wildlife police and local authorities enforce the boating laws of Washington. The State Parks Boating Program provides the training necessary to enforce boating laws as well as conduct search and rescue operations.
About the Washington State Boating Program
Washington State Parks 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.washingtonstateparks.us/Boating
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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.
News release number: 19-072