RedactedNarrative: On May 21, 2017, at approximately 1730 hours, Master Officer responded to a boating accident on the Potomac River at Dam #4.  According to a witness, at about 1703 hours two male subjects in a boat went over the dam.  The boat with the subjects fell approximately 20 feet.  The two subjects, (boat owner) and (operator) swam to the shoreline uninjured.  
  
  The boat (2001 Marada MX-3) capsized and became lodged on rocks about 40 yards down from the dam.  The subjects had launched the boat at the Big Slackwater boat ramp 1 mile upstream from the dam.  The river level was normal. Both subjects failed to read the sign located at the ramp warning of a dam downstream.  They also missed 3 warning bouys as they headed toward the dam.  According to Occupant, when Operator noticed the dam he immediately placed the boat motor in reverse.  The boat managed to stop at the crest of the dam momentarily, however the boat's wake pushed the vessel over the edge.  Operator possessed a Boater Safety Card issued in Mississippi.  Both men were not wearing PFD's.  MOff. was not able to obtain any registration information on the boat.  The officer notified the Duty Officer and requested assistance from the NRP Dive Team.  
  MOff. issued Operator the following citation
   
   
  Operate vessel in prohibited area (within 200 yards of a dam)     $85     $500 max. fine.
   
  All events occurred in Washington County, Maryland. 
   
   Alcohol was not a factor in this incident.  Both were not wearing PFD's at the time of the accident.  The wearing of PFD's is not required on the Upper Potomac River at the time of the incident.  
  