Boating Deaths Doubled in 2011

     Annapolis, Md. -- Boating deaths in Maryland last year were nearly double the average annual number.
     According to Maryland's Department of Natural Resources, from 2001 to 2010, the average number of deaths per year was about 12.7, which compares to 24 people last year.
     Most accidents, injuries and fatalities happen during the summer months when the water is warm and there are more recreational boaters. Last year's mild, warmer weather extended the boating season and could be part of the reason for the increase in boating-related deaths.
      Sgt. Art Windemuth, spokesman for the Natural Resources Police, said last year's unusually warm weather, with less distinction between seasons, contributed to the spike in fatalities.Even though the weather was mostly mild throughout the year, cold air and water temperatures still posed a danger.
    Despite the fact that boating fatalities were up last year, overall boating accidents decreased about 15 percent from 219 in 2010 to 186 in 2011.