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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2002

OHIO PLEASURE BOATING GETS BUSY ON JULY 4TH HOLIDAY

COLUMBUS, OH - The upcoming July 4th holiday weekend may be one of the busiest on record for the state’s waterways, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.

An estimated 3 million people enjoy recreational boating in Ohio each year. State boating officials expect many of those boaters to be on the water for the state’s traditional peak boating weekend of the year during the Independence Day holiday weekend.

“Each year we see more boaters on Ohio waters and we continue to make their safety our highest priority,” said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.

To ensure that boating remains a safe and pleasurable activity, the ODNR offers these safe boating tips:

  • Always wear an approved life jacket when boating, especially if you plan to go swimming from a boat out on the open water. By law, life jackets are required for those riding personal watercraft, those being towed (on skis, tubes, or other devices), and children under 10 on boats less than 18 feet long.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption when boating, especially if you are operating any watercraft or being towed behind a boat. Be sure to have a sober "designated driver" operate the boat. No alcohol aboard is the safest way to go.
  • Know and follow the boating navigation "Rules of the Road."
  • Take along plenty of food and a variety of liquids such as water, soda, or lemonade to prevent exhaustion and dehydration.
  • Wear clothes that keep you cool and protect you from the sun.
  • Plan to limit your boat outing to a length of time that will not fatigue you. Glare and heat from the sun - as well as the boat’s motion, noise and vibration - can fatigue you sooner than you think.
  • Always be prepared to handle or render assistance in any boating emergency. Keep the required emergency equipment on your boat and know how to use it.

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

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