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March 19, 2007
"OPERATION OVERBOARD" SAFE BOATING CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF MARCH 26
ODNR warns boaters to avoid overloading, improperly loading watercraft
 COLUMBUS, OH - "Operation Overboard," the first safe boating campaign of the season, kicks off March 26 as part of a statewide effort to reduce accidents from overloaded and improperly loaded watercraft, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"Operation Overboard" focuses on boats less than 18 feet long used on inland waterways. State watercraft and local marine patrol officers will be conducting visual and written boat safety inspections at many of the state's public launch ramps beginning that date, looking for potential safety hazards.
"Since 2001, 'Operation Overboard' has successfully alerted boaters to the dangers of overloading and improperly loading," said Michael Quinn, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "As a result, the number of accidents due to capsizing and swamping has been significantly reduced."
The Division of Watercraft and its boating partners also encourage all boaters to properly wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket as an additional measure of protection. Statistics show the leading cause of death from accidents involving boats less than 18 feet long is drowning due to a combination of capsizing/swamping and failure to wear life jackets.
"We care about the safety of Ohio boaters and want to ensure they enjoy a safe season on the water," said Quinn.
For information on boating safety and education programs, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com or call toll-free 877-4BOATER.
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