COLUMBUS, OH -- Boaters who wear their life jackets this summer will have the greatest chance of survival should they unexpectedly end up in the water, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This year, 11 of the 13 boaters who have lost their lives in Ohio waters were not wearing life jackets.

"A pleasant day enjoying one of Ohio's rivers, lakes and streams can quickly turn to tragedy, especially if boaters aren't wearing a life jacket," said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "Wearing a life jacket is the number one way to ensure safety while boating. Those boaters who lost their lives this year did not expect to be in the water prior to leaving shore. Most boating deaths occur when someone unexpectedly falls overboard or capsizes a boat and drowns."

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 age 10 who are riding in boats less than 18 feet long. Everyone else is able to choose whether or not to wear a life jacket.

ODNR strongly encourages all boaters to wear life jackets, whether or not the law requires it. Life jackets are particularly important in the following situations:

• When the boater cannot swim or is a weak swimmer
• When boating alone
• When boating between the months of October and May (when the water is dangerously cold)
• During rough water/waves and severe weather conditions
• When boating at night
• In emergency situations
• In swift and fast current situations

"Preventing boating deaths is largely in the hands of the boater and whether or not that person chooses to wear a life jacket," Hoedt said. "When boaters find themselves in the water unexpectedly, it is too late to consider putting on a life jacket."

In an effort to get boaters to wear life jackets, the ODNR Division of Watercraft is sponsoring its annual "Buckle Up" campaign June 30-July 4. Watercraft officers will give a lanyard-style key chain to any adult boater who is wearing a life jacket. Children wearing life jackets will receive official "Junior Watercraft Officer" badges.

Hoedt said that "Buckle Up" campaigns have been successful in the past by raising awareness and getting boaters to be proactive in boating safety.

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For Further Information Contact:
Dennis Evans, Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882