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Check Your Label

When you are selecting a lifejacket, it is important to find one that is right for you and the activity you are pursuing. Wondering what to check for on your lifejacket's label?   » read more

Strength-tested Lifejackets

Strength-tested lifejackets provide an excellent option for boaters participating in high-speed activities such as riding a personal watercraft or waterskiing. The United States Coast Guard requires boaters to wear a lifejacket that is appropriate for these activities. The jackets are made for protection, comfort, and safety.   » read more

Ohio River Way Paddlefest July 6 and 7

Looking for a fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Want to get out and have some fun in the summer sun? Visit the Ohio River Way's Paddlefest 2007 July 6 and 7 to practice your paddling skills. Events include the Kid's Ex-Stream Expo, a music festival, and exhibits and shows.   » read more

Students Take Boating Knowledge to the Water

A group of 45 students from Dawson-Bryant High School recently visited the Ohio River after successfully completing an Ohio Boating Education Course. These students spent an enjoyable day out on the water with the United States Coast Guard, Ohio Watercraft Officers, and the Lawrence County Marine Patrol. Students became familiar with the different kinds of vessels and also had a chance to tour the nearby Greenup Locks and Dam.   » read more

Ohio Boat Registration News

Finding a location to register your boat has never been easier. Boaters are now able to register their boats at any one of Gander Mountain’s nine Ohio locations. In addition, new Alternative Registrations for hand-powered vessels now can be obtained from some Watercraft Field Offices.   » read more

West Branch State Park

In early July, West Branch State Park will be opening a new access ramp convenient to the campground. Open to all boaters, this new ramp has 50 car trailer spaces and a restroom facility, and it's near the camp office.   » read more

Tidbits from the Ohio Division of Watercraft

Aside from patrols and inspections on the water that come with the summer boating season, the Division has been busy on land as well:

• East Sandusky Bay Water Trail - In May, the East Sandusky Bay Water Trail earned an official designation as an Ohio Water Trail. Many access points are still in the works, but it is the third designated water trail in the state and the only designated trail on a Lake Erie bay. The trail begins at Big Island Preserve just east of the Cedar Point Causeway. Existing points of interest include fishing, dining and lodging opportunities and impressive views on Pipe Creek. Future access is planned for natural and historic points of interest along the bay: Hoffman Preserve, Putnam Marsh, Airport Preserve, Community Foundation Preserve, Wyandot Wetlands Meadow Preserve, and Kiwanis Park.
• "Top Cops" Keep Lake Erie Waterways Safe - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recognized several Ohio Watercraft Officers' efforts to keep impaired operators off the water. Recipients of the Top Cop award included Sandusky Area Supervisor Jeff Nehls along with Ohio Watercraft Officers Dave Goodwin, Chad German, and Joe Yingling. The Sandusky team worked to coordinate law enforcement efforts in Erie, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties including Lake Erie. The team also provided statewide training to help detect and apprehend OUI offenders.
• Confluence 2007: Charting the Future of Boating - ODNR Division of Watercraft will be hosting the 2007 Confluence conference November 7 through 9 at Maumee Bay State Park. Boating educators, marine law enforcement officers, volunteers, personnel, and other boating partners will be gathering to "chart the future of boating." This three-day conference will also celebrate the success of safe recreational boating in Ohio. The progress made by recreational boating leaders across the state will help to shape boating and public safety. The registration and lodging reservation deadline is set for September 24, 2007. Let us know if you want more information on the conference.
• Boating Safety Education Grant Application Workshop - The Division of Watercraft is hosting a free workshop to help guide program directors and administrators through the Boating Safety Education Grant application process. The education grant is used to create, expand, and maintain boating safety programs. Grants are available to government agencies, political subdivisions and non-profit organizations. Both program directors and administrators planning to submit an application should attend this informative workshop. It is free of charge and will be held in Columbus on Wednesday, September 19, 2007, from 9:30am-3:00pm. For more information or to register, contact Mary Hughes (614-265-6674 or email).
• Telly Awards - ODNR Division of Watercraft received a Bronze Telly Award in recognition of the quality of its web-based recruitment video. The Telly Awards honor outstanding local and regional TV commercials and productions. The division's video was developed in order to recruit applicants for the position of Watercraft Officer Cadet and was featured on the Division of Watercraft web page in May. By the end of the application period in May, the Division received over 1,100 officer cadet applications. The Bronze Telly Award represents national recognition among over 13,000 entries submitted by other organizations.