Swimmers, Boaters Warned About Debris In Maryland Water
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Both swimmers and boaters were warned Monday about damaging debris in Maryland waterways following days of intense rain last week.
Maryland State Parks is cautioning people to stay out of the water at Sandy Point State Park, and the problem extends to rivers far upstream.
Sandy Point Beach is no walk in the park as debris has piled on the shoreline.
Nearly 80 miles north, there was a preemptive release at the Conowingo Dam. After officials opened up gates on the dam, water wasn't the only thing that came rushing out.
Maryland State Parks recommend that swimmers stay out of the water to avoid getting trapped or injured.
[Reporter: Did you get into the water?]
"Just the edge, just the edge of the water. It's very dangerous right now," said Cindy White.
Boaters were also warned about large plumes of debris in the Chesapeake Bay that could damage boats.
Maryland Natural Resources Police also posted the picture below showing the conditions at an Annapolis' dock.
MORE: Trees Down, Bridges Buckle And Roads Close Due To Heavy Rains
Water vessels were out of their element as even a police boat got stuck.
"There is debris as big as logs coming out into the bay," said Corporal Veronica Bruns with Maryland NRP.
Officials said it's not only the bay. Massive pieces of debris could trap boaters and swimmers on other rivers and tributaries upstream.
"If you're going at speed, you're not controlling yourself and you don't have a proper lookout, you actually could end up hitting a log or something and throwing somebody off of your boat," Bruns said.
Maryland saw heavy rains last week that lead to historically high levels in a number of area rivers. Communities in Baltimore County were hit hard with flooding, while places like Ellicott City and Port Deposit were spared.
Follow @WJZ on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook
