Harbor patrol: boating violations up

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Boating dangers exist even when a boat is moored. Drunken boating is less of a problem this year for the East Providence Harbor Patrol, but speeding and safety violations are what's keeping them busy.

During a boating check Friday night, the assistant harbor master's patrol beat was a 16-mile stretch along the Providence River from Cove Haven Marina to just past the Red Bridge. They see numerous violations daily such as speeding, and children under 13 not wearing lifejackets.

While East Providence's harbor patrol hasn't seen any fatal accidents such as the one which killed two Massachusetts women at Despair Island in May, violations such as bow riding can easily turn serious.

The problem is not enough boaters know the rules.

Anyone interested in learning the DEM's boating safety regulations can take a free test online, through the department's web site.