After Susquehanna River Fatality, Governor Issues Warning

Twelve people have lost their lives in Maryland's waters so far in 2013, state officials said Tuesday, including a man who died north of the Conowingo Dam in a cliff jumping incident last weekend.

Six of the twelve deaths occurred in the past month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said.

As a result, the governor issued a statement urging citizens to exercise caution around the water.

“One day on the water, one minor misstep, one moment or lapse in judgment can lead to loss of life," Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said.

Zachary James, the 25-year-old Delaware man who fell from the cliffs north of the Conowingo Dam, was the most recent fatality in Maryland waters. He died in the Susquehanna River July 27 while cliff-jumping, according to Natural Resources Police.

Five days earlier, another man drowned in Cecil County; a 75-year-old Earleville man died July 22 when he fell overboard into the Bohemia River while crabbing, according to ExploreHarford.

One month ago, O'Malley said state officials "issued a plea" and increased patrols before July 4 to heighten awareness about water safety.

"Since then, six more lives have been lost to drowning," O'Malley said in a July 30 statement.

In Anne Arundel County, a 20-year-old man's body was found in the Chesapeake Bay on July 23, the day after he jumped from a pier to retrieve a hat and did not reappear, Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch reported.

On July 4, a 27-year-old Annapolis man died after jumping from a boat into the Magothy River, according to Broadneck Patch.

"Some of these victims were avid swimmers and athletes, clearly demonstrating that no one is immune to a swift current, large wave or unexpected mishap," O'Malley said.

Police said that so far, the number of water-related casualties is double that of the same time frame in 2012.

In addition, the number of drowning deaths in 2013 has already surpassed last year's total water-related casualty count of 11, according to Maryland's Natural Resources Police.

"We urge you to guard your life, and guard the lives of your loved ones by being smart and safe on the water," O'Malley said.

Natural Resources recommends the following safety measures:

• Devise a rescue plan before embarking on the water.
• Keep an eye on everyone in your party.
• Wear a lifejacket.
• Have flotation devices at the ready.