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Operation Dry Water: June 24-26
The Division of Watercraft is joining a number of state and local marine patrol agencies in a nationwide crackdown on impaired boating known as Operation Dry Water. 2011 is the third year for this marine enforcement effort initiated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
 Alcohol is involved in about 1 of every 3 boating-related accidents on Ohio waterways. While state watercraft officers and local marine patrols are always on the lookout for impaired boat operators, Operation Dry Water (www.operationdrywater.org) focuses on the need for boaters to boat smart, boat sober, and make a commitment to stay safe on the water.
It’s not just drunk boaters who are targeted. Drug-impaired boating is more prevalent, which increases the risk for all boaters. In 2010, Ohio Division of Watercraft officers contacted 3,810 boaters and made 11 arrests for "boating under the influence" during the Operation Dry Water weekend. A total of 198 other alcohol and boating-related citations were issued in addition to 754 warnings.
As with the 2009 and 2010 campaigns, officers will focus much of their attention on inland waterways that attract large numbers of recreational boaters. Multi-jurisdictional enforcement efforts will also occur on the Ohio River and Lake Erie.
Ohioans Urged to Swim Safe
A rash of recent drownings in Ohio waterways should encourage Ohioans to use caution when swimming and to ensure that proper adult supervision is provided to any children who may be in or near the water. At least six Ohioans recently have drowned in Ohio waters and others have been rescued when they needed assistance. Swimmers are reminded that it is unlawful and potentially unsafe to swim outside of designated swim areas at all state park lakes. [Swim Safe News Release] [Rip Current News Release ] [Child Swim Safety from the Mayo Clinic]
Articles
Stay Lightning Safe
Do you know what to do if you’re on the water and bad weather comes rolling in? Learn basic lightning safety to help keep you, your family and friends safe.
 Fuel Saving Tips for Boaters
With gas prices so high, here are some simple tips on how to get the best performance out of your boat and save money.
Deterring Boat Theft
Check out steps you can take to help keep your boat and equipment protected.
 State Fair Kayak Pond
The 2011 Ohio State Fair runs from July 27 through August 7. Will you be trying out a kayak in our Kayak Pond? Learn something new this year while you have fun at the fair.
Keep It Clean
Prep your watercraft cleanly and safely for the coming boating season by following a few simple guidelines.
Boater Code of Conduct: Part III
This year the Division of Watercraft introduced a list of best boating practices known as the “Boater Code of Conduct” to promote boating safety awareness. Here are three more best boater practices.
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Feature Programs
Stream Quality Monitoring
 One of the most vital roles in conservation resource protection within ODNR is the annual stream quality monitoring work performed by staff and volunteers of the Ohio Scenic Rivers program. The Stream Quality Monitoring program focuses its attention on portions of the approximately 800 miles of designated scenic rivers.
2011 Boating Safety Education Grant Recipient
Mentor Firefighters’ Historical Association (a boating safety education grant recipient) developed this mobile classroom to teach all aspects of boating and water safety. Inside the trailer, students board a "boat," don lifejackets, and take a virtual excursion to Lake Erie. A video screen surrounds the students while hydraulics create the sensation of moving on the water. Various boating scenarios playout in front of the students, and an instructor in the “boat” asks questions to ensure the students understand what is safe and what is not. Experiencing everything from children playing on a dock without life jackets to assisting in a rescue, students who go through this classroom have a great time and leave with a better knowledge of water and boating safety. [www.mentorsafetyvillage.com]
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News
Governor John Kasich has reappointed Sandusky resident Tom Pascoe to a five-year term on the Waterways Safety Council. The council chairman was first appointed on June 1, 1991. [news release]
The Ohio Waterways Safety Council will hold its quarterly meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13*, at the Division of Watercraft administrative headquarters located in the ODNR Fountain Square Complex at 2045 Morse Road, Building A, in Columbus. The meeting is open to the public. Persons interested in attending the council meeting should contact Janet Turner in the Division of Watercraft’s Columbus office at 614-265-6476. *Date updated 6/24
Boating safety awareness messages produced and distributed by the Division of Watercraft are again airing on summer weekends on more than 40 radio stations to remind boaters of the importance of wearing a life jacket and staying sober while on the water.
Seventeen Ohioans this spring were honored for their commitment and hours of service to boating safety education in the state. [news release]
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that more than $11.7 million is being awarded this year to 25 states, including Ohio ($412,748), under the Clean Vessel Act grant program. [news release]
“Wear It Ohio!” has become a familiar slogan for the more than 1,600 Ohio boaters who have agreed to accept, at no cost, a new inflatable life vest on loan for the boating season from the Division of Watercraft. [news release] |
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Scioto County Area Office Dedication
State and local officials were on hand April 25 in Franklin Furnace to officially dedicate the opening of the Division of Watercraft’s newly constructed area office that serves Scioto County and surrounding Ohio River Valley region. It replaces a leased office space that was the Division’s Portsmouth area office. The new office is located adjacent to the Greenup Dam just off Ohio Route 52.
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Events
Free Education Grant Application Workshop
If your non-profit or government agency is thinking of applying for a 2012 Boating Safety Education Grant, you’ll want to attend this meeting at the Columbus Headquarters on September 1. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary Hughes, 614-265-6674, or Teri Crace, 614-265-6534.
See more Events
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Staff Changes
Appointment
 Rodger M. Norcross has been appointed chief of the state’s Division of Watercraft by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director David Mustine. Norcross, a resident of Morrow County, succeeds acting chief Bill McGarity, who will return to his former post as deputy chief. Former Watercraft chief, Pamela Dillon, retired from the position at the end of April. [News Release]
Retiring
 Dean Palmer, area supervisor for the Scioto County watercraft office, retired May 31 with over 21 years with the Division of Watercraft. After serving in the U.S. Navy and with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Dean began his career with Watercraft in 1990 as an officer. He was promoted to area supervisor in 2003. During his tenure, Dean received numerous awards and recognitions including the ODNR Watercraft Officer of the Year in 2003 and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators Officer of the Year in 2004.
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New Registration Agents
Hamilton County: Western Hills License Bureau, 5083 Glencrossing Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238, 513-347-3440
Knox County: Knox County Title Department, 671 North Sandusky Street, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050, 740-393-6791
Stark County: Dobransky Firearms, 3464 Wales Road NW, Suite C, Massillon, OH 44646, 330-830-4026 |
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Contact Us
The Buckeye Boater is a quarterly electronic publication from the Ohio DNR Division of Watercraft.
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ODNR Division of Watercraft
2045 Morse Road, Building A
Columbus, Ohio 43229
1-877-4BOATER (Ohio only)
614-265-6480
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