Boaters should be aware of on-the-water activity in Commencement Bay

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Boating Program is hosting the 29th-Annual Marine Law Enforcement Conference and Enhanced Vessel Operators Course this month in Tacoma.

The conference takes place Sept. 20 through 22, and on-the-water vessel operator training takes place Sept. 18 through 22. During this time, about 100 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 15 law enforcement vessels training on Commencement Bay during the afternoons of the Sept. 18 to 22. Boats will be practicing drills, stops, pursuits and shadowing 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, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife police and local law enforcement authorities enforce Washington state’s boating laws. Each year, the State Parks Boating Program conducts more than a dozen on-the-water and in-class trainings on topics such as the enforcement of boating laws and how to 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

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.

  – Washington State Parks