Answer
Inlet chop, busy summer traffic, and sudden weather turn routine bay runs into emergencies—PFDs buy time until Coast Guard or Good Samaritans arrive. Most drowning victims were not wearing properly fitted vests.
Sources: U.S. Coast Guard · Maryland DNR · Visit Ocean City
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
