FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2000

COLUMBUS, OH - Labor Day Weekend marks the traditional end of the summer boating season and one of the year's busiest times on Ohio waterways. But that's no reason to let common sense and safety take a holiday.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resource's (ODNR) Division of Watercraft, most boating accidents occur because: operators lacked knowledge and experience, weren’t paying attention, were consuming alcohol or were going too fast. Most fatalities occur because the victim was not wearing a life jacket.

"Boating is a safe and enjoyable activity when boaters keep a few things in mind," said ODNR Division of Watercraft Chief Jeff Hoedt. "We could definitely reduce the number of boating accidents on Ohio’s waterways if boaters were to consider what puts them most at risk on the water and make a conscious effort to address those issues."

Last year in Ohio there were 232 reported boating accidents, including 19 fatal accidents.

When on the water, boaters should remember the following.

Wise Up:
Most boat operators involved in accidents have not taken a boating safety course. Ohio now requires any boater born after December 31, 1981 to show proof of successfully completing an approved boating safety course or proficiency test when operating a boat powered by greater than 10 horsepower.

Whether it is required or not, there are many education options available to boaters ranging from traditional classroom courses to home study and online testing programs. For information on course availability and options, boaters can visit www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/watercraft or call the Division of Watercraft’s toll-free number at 1-877-4BOATER.

Look Out:
There are more than 400,000 recreational boats registered in Ohio. On a busy weekend, it can seem like all of them are on the same lake. Boat traffic can approach in all directions, so it is important to pay attention and watch for oncoming boats.

On the water, boaters are exposed to sun, glare, wind, noise and constant motion. Three hours exposure to these stresses can double the time it takes a boater’s mind and body to react to danger. Ask passengers to help with lookout responsibilities.

Stay Sober:
Operating under the influence of alcohol on the water, is not only illegal, but it can be more dangerous than on the highway. Alcohol slows reaction times, impairs night vision, causes tunnel vision during daylight, reduces the sense of balance and interferes with hearing. Added to the sound, light and noise distractions inherent to boating, impairment may occur even quicker on the water than on land.

Slow Down:
Boats require a greater distance to stop at high speeds. Remember, boats don’t have brakes and personal watercraft require throttle power to steer, so it is important to operate at a controllable speed for unforeseen circumstances.

Buckle Up:
Boaters required by law to wear a life jacket at all times include persons being towed on water skis or similar devices, those using personal watercraft such as Jet Skis and Wave Runners, and children under ten years of age on boats less than 18 feet. Everyone else is encouraged to choose to wear a life jacket.

When boaters find themselves in the water unexpectedly, it is usually too late to consider putting on a life jacket. Preventing boating deaths is largely in the hands of the boater and whether or not they choose to wear a life jacket.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, through its Division of Watercraft, administers Ohio's boating program. The division oversees boat registration and titling operations, provides funding to local communities for education, enforcement and boating facilities, educates the public and enforces boating laws on Ohio's waterways. These programs are user-funded through boat registration fees and through a portion of state and federal motor fuel taxes.

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