 Free Boat Safety Inspections, Life Jacket Loaner Campaign, Boating Education Opportunities Offered Statewide in Observance of National Safe Boating Week
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft and its boating partners are conducting free watercraft safety inspections and sponsoring other awareness activities to help increase boating safety in observance of National Safe Boating Week May 17-23. Boating partners include the U.S. Power Squadrons, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local marine patrol units.
The boating safety inspections are held at boat ramps and other locations across the state throughout the summer. The inspections aren't for issuing citations; they are to make sure your boat is ready for the water. Watercraft officers and other inspectors look for properly working equipment such as fire extinguishers, horns, navigational lights, distress signals and an adequate number of approved life jackets that are of the proper style, size and fit for any passengers who are likely to be aboard your particular boat.
Other scheduled events during National Safe Boating Week include local opportunities to explore boating and boating courses.
The Division of Watercraft is also initiating a lifejacket awareness campaign this year, "Wear It Ohio!" Four state park lakes will feature a "Wear It Ohio" tent where boaters can pledge to wear a loaned, inflatable lifejacket. Boaters will also be able to test their boating knowledge via a prize wheel and see inflatable lifejacket demonstrations.
During National Safe Boating Week, the "Wear It Ohio!" campaign can be found at Portage Lakes (May 17) and Salt Fork, Buck Creek, and Caesar Creek (all on May 18). See Related Links for other scheduled dates. |