COLUMBUS, OH - Nearly 14,000 Ohioans successfully completed an approved boater education course last year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.
Among the total were more than 5,000 persons affected by a new state law requiring persons born on or after January 1, 1982 to complete a boater education course prior to operating a boat over 10 horsepower.
The courses are offered through the ODNR Division of Watercraft, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and Boat/US Foundation and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
"Ohio ranks among the top 10 states in the number of registered watercraft," said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the Division of Watercraft. "It is vital that we support this popular pastime through educational programs and activities increasing boater safety and awareness in our state."
In 2000, there were more than 416,000 recreational watercraft registered in Ohio. Making boater education more convenient, the ODNR now offers online and approved home-study courses for novice and experienced boaters on the Internet.
"Our goal is to educate Ohio boaters. Technology is a partner in reaching more boaters and providing them with the information they need to ensure a safe and happy boating experience," said Hoedt.
Ohio recorded 25 boater fatalities last year, most of which occurred when boaters were unexpectedly thrown into the water while participating in recreational activities such as fishing. Among the 25 victims, 23 were not wearing a lifejacket, causing 22 drownings.
The ODNR maintains on its web site a county-by-county listing of approved boater education classes offered in Ohio. Novice as well as experienced boaters may also choose to take an approved home-study or online boater education course.
There are approximately 165 Ohio Boating Education Course instructors certified by the ODNR Division of Watercraft. Additional instructors are certified through the U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Persons interested in learning about Ohio's Boater Education Course program may call the Division of Watercraft's toll-free information line at 1-877-4BOATER or visit the ODNR web site at www.dnr.state.oh.us