Gloucester officials: Boat responsibly or risk being fined
The city has seen an increase in boating accidents, authorities said.
Gloucester authorities are asking boaters to boat responsibly following an increase in accidents on the water, as well as reports of people operating vessels under the influence and underage drinking.Under state COVID-19 rules, updated Tuesday, those on the water are asked to limit “rafting-up or tying-up” boats to three vessels, according to a city news release.“We have seen an increase in boating accidents and collisions,” Gloucester Police Chief Edward Conley said in the release. “The Gloucester Police Department has also received reports of underage drinking and suspected boating under the influence. We will be increasing our presence along the Annisquam River focusing on safety equipment checks, underage drinking enforcement and boating under the influence detection. We’re asking everyone to please be responsible on the water.”Gloucester authorities, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, state police, and state Environmental Police, plan to step up patrols this weekend to crack down on any illegal activity, as well as violations of COVID-19 guidance. Those who don’t follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines could be slapped with a $300 fine, while those who don’t follow the limits on tying up boats together could receive a $500 fine. In addition to the Annisquam River, officials also pointed to Wingaersheek Beach as a problem area.“Boating is an excellent way to recreate, and socially distance, when done smartly and with the proper precautions,” Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said in the release. “We want people to do the right thing and take care to keep themselves and others healthy and safe while enjoying the water.”
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