River Safety Enforcement




Officers from Montgomery County PD, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Park Police look over a cliff in search of illegal swimmers and distressed hikers

 

On Sunday, July 13, 2014, the United States Park Police, Montgomery County Police, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources combined efforts to participate in river patrols along the Potomac River Gorge. Patrols were directed at Lock 6, Billy Goat Trail Section A, Olmsted Island, Difficult Run, and the Cow Hoof Rock area with the primary goal of sharing river safety messages to the public.

Throughout the day, officers encountered visitors hiking in restricted areas as well as illegally swimming and bathing in the river. Officers also assisted two visitors with ankle injuries, often caused by slipping on rocks.

The primary goal of the joint agency efforts were to protect life, enhance visitor safety and protect natural resources.

Enforcement objectives for all agencies are to educate and inform visitors of the safety precautions and risk factors when disobeying signs of danger.

Citations and warnings were issued for swimming/bathing. Visitors are urged to obey all signs.