Final answer:
Before setting out on the water, it is critical to know how to protect Maryland waters and ensure personal safety by cleaning your boat and equipment, being aware of environmental challenges like currents, and heeding safety signs.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the most important things you need to know before setting out on the water is how to protect Maryland waters and ensure your safety. To help safeguard the environment, you should:
- Remove all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from your boat hull, propeller, anchor, and trailer before launching.
- Drain and rinse all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers.
- Rinse all fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and SCUBA gear with a hard spray from a garden hose.
For your own safety, it's also vital to:
- Heed safety signs like "no diving" to prevent injuries to your nervous system.
- Understand the challenges of the waterway you are navigating, like currents and tides, and take appropriate measures such as paddling near the shore when going upstream.
Being prepared and respectful of the environment will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water.