More boaters, more dangers

HAMPTON, Va. - Local marinas and the U.S. Coast Guard are seeing a significant spike in the number of boaters who are heading out on local waterways, and they warn that also means an increase in the potential for disaster.

The increase in marine traffic is attributed to fuel prices that are half what they were this time last year.

"A lot of people didn't come out last year, couldn't afford it," said Betty Kenyon, Manager at Sunset Boating Center in Hampton. "But now people are calling every day asking, 'What are your fuel prices?'"

For Bud Batten, boating has been a lifelong passion. "Since I was about 8," laughed Bud, getting ready to work on his boat. "And we were out at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and there were just a ton of boats out there."

On Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard held a news conference inside the command center at Sector Hampton Roads in Portsmouth, clearly concerned about the big jump it's now seeing in marine traffic

Captain Mark Ogle said, "So what you are seeing is a lot of people had a little cabin fever, they get out there and they get in over their heads."

Over the weekend two boaters, in seperate incidents, disappeared in local waters.

"I know how quickly things can happen and turn bad very quick. So, you have to have a good safety plan," said Batten. "Today the Coast Guard was making announcements about a large fishing vessel that was sunk and inverted and just floating. They marked it and called out the hazard to navigation," said Batten.

As more boaters hit the water this season, the Coast Guard is urgently reminding everyone... Don't Forget Your Life Jackets !

The Coast Guard is also asking boaters to bring cell phones with them if they can, watch the weather very carefully and don't overcrowd your boat.

Related Link:

Coast Guard Boating Safety Tips