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July 11, 2006
BOATERS REMINDED THAT IT’S ILLEGAL TO BE “AIRBORNE”
ON AN OHIO STATE PARK LAKE
Parasailing, windsurfing aerobatics, kite tubing prohibited on park lakes
 COLUMBUS, OH - In its continued effort to promote water recreation safety, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds boaters that existing rules prohibit airfoils such as parasails, aerobatic windsurfers and airborne kite tubes on state park lakes. Windsurfers and kite tubes may be used on state park lakes only if they remain on the surface of the water.
“Airborne kite tubes pose a serious safety hazard not only to those riding on them, but also to other watercraft,” said Bob Dorinsky, law enforcement administrator for Ohio State Parks. “Our responsibility is to ensure that water recreation is enjoyed in a safe and responsible manner on state park lakes.”
A kite tube is a large, round inflatable device that is pulled behind a powerboat at speeds of 15 to 40 miles per hour and can become airborne as much as 60 feet above the water’s surface. Once aloft, a rider has no control over the kite tube’s stability or altitude.
Numerous injuries and at least two kite tubing fatalities have been reported nationwide this year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning on June 30, calling kite tubing an “extreme water sport” and significant safety risk. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has banned kite tubes on some lakes under its jurisdiction and the National Park Service has placed a temporary halt on kite tubes at some Western facilities.
ODNR recorded its first kite tubing accident on May 20 at East Fork Lake in Clermont County. A similar incident occurred June 24 on Delaware Lake in Delaware County and another on July 3 at Indian Lake. In all cases, the victims sustained significant injuries and were transported to hospitals for treatment.
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