It is the policy of the State to foster water safety for recreational uses of the Potomac River, including swimming, bathing, wading, diving, tubing, rafting, and other uses involving contact with the water. There is a particular need to restrict the recreational use of certain waters known to be hazardous to personal safety some or all of the time, specifically, that section of the Potomac River beginning at the District of Columbia and Maryland boundary line which crosses the Potomac River approximately one-half mile north of Chain Bridge and continuing upstream to a line across the Potomac River at Edwards Ferry Road.

The Secretary is responsible for administering a program of water safety for recreational uses of the hazardous section of the Potomac River as described in this subtitle.

The Department may adopt regulations necessary to implement this subtitle.

Any person who violates any regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $500, or imprisonment not exceeding 2 months, or both.

Nothing in this subtitle is intended to affect or limit the powers and duties of the Secretary of the Environment under § 9-252 of the Environment Article.