Maryland Mother Advocates for Sober Boating After Son's Tragic Death

As Maryland prepares for one of its busiest boating seasons, a local mother is calling for increased awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence. Marie Barton lost her son, Nick, in a tragic boating accident over four years ago when the vessel he was on collided with a piling. The captain of the boat was found to be operating under the influence.

In the wake of this tragedy, Barton and her husband Ed have become advocates for boater safety and have worked with state lawmakers to establish stricter laws regarding boating under the influence. They collaborated with Senator Gile's office to create 'Nick's Law,' which aims to impose harsher penalties for those found guilty of negligent manslaughter while boating under the influence.

A key aspect of their advocacy is the implementation of a database by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that tracks individuals who have been caught boating under the influence. This system is designed to function similarly to a routine license check conducted during traffic stops.

DNR Captain Ben Lillard emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Just like when a state trooper or a county cop pulls you over and checks your license for to make sure it's valid and not suspended or revoked, it's working the same way." He noted that heightened patrols will be in effect during the upcoming July Fourth weekend, which is historically one of the deadliest periods for boating accidents.

According to Lillard, alcohol and drug use are significant contributors to fatal boating incidents, prompting the department to conduct saturation patrols in areas with a history of impaired boating. Barton urges boaters to take responsibility for their actions on the water. "Ultimately, you are the captain of that vessel; you're responsible for every life on board that boat," she stated. "You have to be responsible, be responsible boaters. That's all we're asking, not only for yourself but for others that are out on that water."

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).