After the deaths of 17 people last year in boating-related accidents, Maryland officials urged precaution Thursday as the summer season gets underway.

At a briefing at Sandy Point State Park, Maryland Natural Resources Police Col. Robert “Ken” Ziegler Jr. said boaters must wear proper life vests, steer clear of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and refrain from dangerous practices such as dangling feet or legs off the front of boats.

The Memorial Day weekend is typically a time for officials to renew reminders about boating safety.

Ziegler said Maryland has had one boating death in 2017, “but that’s not a sign of what the summer is to bring. Last year at this time, we had two fatalities — and ended up with 17.”

Mark Belton, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, said of the 17 boating-related deaths last year, 14 involved victims who were not wearing a life vest. Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Allan Graves stressed that precaution as well, saying many people wrongly believe wearing a vest isn’t necessary.

“Waiting to put your [personal floatation device] on until you need it is like saying you’ll put your seat belt on right before you have an accident,” Graves said.

Officials also want to deter boaters and passengers from “bow riding” — riding on the front of a boat with limbs dangling off the side.

A 9-year-old New Jersey boy was killed last summer in Ocean City after he fell off the bow of a pontoon boat and was hit by the engine’s propeller. Three other people were seriously injured in bow-riding incidents.

The practice is illegal in Maryland and carries a fine of up to $500.

Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Sara Wallace said other boats’ wakes could send a bow rider tumbling into the water.

“A typical propeller operating at 3,200 rpms can make 160 cuts in one second,” Wallace said. “It can travel from the head to the toes in less than one-tenth of a second.”

Officials issued other safety reminders as well, such as not overcrowding boats, using a weather radio or smartphone app to stay aware of weather conditions and carrying a phone in a waterproof pouch.