News & Events

Ohio Outdoors Features from 2008

Most recent articles are listed first.

February 1, 2008

The Time to Take a Class is Now

Well before the start of the summer boating season, recreational boaters should consider taking and completing a boater safety education class. Many of these classes are provided through state boating agencies, the U.S. Power Squadrons, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and other boating partners. The classes are fun to take, especially when a boat owner involves the whole family and the course provides useful information on a variety of boating topics.

Given the approximately 70 million Americans who enjoy recreational boating each year, the likelihood of becoming involved in a serious boating accident remains quite low. Yet, each year, approximately 700 people die in boating-related accidents on our nation’s waterways and many more are injured.

Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that in 2006 about 70 percent of those persons involved in a reportable boating accident had not completed a boater safety education course that was approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. (NASBLA). In Ohio, for example, which had its fifth safest boating season on record last year, about 78 percent of those persons involved in an accident had not completed a boater safety education class.

It stands to reason then from a probability standpoint, boaters who complete an approved boater safety education course can reduce the likelihood of becoming involved in a boating-related accident. What a novel idea.

Some boaters may be required by state law to complete a boating safety education class. In Ohio for example, any person born on or after January 1, 1982, must be able to show proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education class if they operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 horsepower. The requirement also applies to those persons who may be providing supervision to underage boat operators as required by state law.

February also is a good time to ensure your watercraft registration remains valid for 2008. Some Ohio boaters will have their watercraft registrations expire March 1 and have been notified by mail that these registrations must be renewed. Ohio boat registrations are valid for a 3-year period and can be renewed online. (See Registration and Titling link, above)

Getting prepared for the summer boating season now will allow boaters to beat the spring rush and enjoy more time on the water. Education courses, registration renewals, boat repairs and maintenance are just among a list of things to do now to be ready for that first time back out on the water.

January 17, 2008

Sun Still Shines On Ohio's Boating Industry In 2008

The winter boat show season is underway in Ohio and elsewhere much to the delight of show producers and prospective boat buying customers. Shows in Toledo and Columbus have already been held. The Cleveland boat show ends January 20 and Cincinnati’s Travel, Sports and Boat Show runs January 18-27.

Additional boat shows are upcoming in February in Columbus, Ft. Wayne (IN), Indianapolis (IN), Dayton, Ashland County, and Erie (PA).

The mood among many boat dealers and potential customers is like a Midwestern winter day – generally quite cloudy and cold, with only a few rays of sunshine. Many industry observers publicly and privately have admitted 2008 will have little good news for the recreational marine industry in general. Citing the ongoing mortgage lending crisis, the high price of oil and retail motor fuels, a huge inventory of used boats on the market and steeper prices for new boats, there appears to be plenty of gloom to go around.

But here is some good news that should keep spirits high among boaters.

Recreational boating represents a lifestyle and activity option that is fun, family-oriented and affordable. The Division of Watercraft continues to award local communities more than $3.4 million annually to construct and improve public boating facilities such as boat launch ramps, parking lots, courtesy docks and a new marina at Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie’s western basin.

Ohio does not charge launching, recovery or parking fees when using its public launch ramps. Ohio is not losing marinas to condo development projects. Just ask your family and boating friends in Florida about boat ramp and parking fees along with the loss of public marinas to development. More good news for us.

Ohio features one of the highest quality state park systems in the nation. Among the diversity of activities and amenities to enjoy in Ohio’s 74 state parks are plenty of boating opportunities that are suited to all types of boating. The state also offers thousands of miles of navigable streams, creeks and rivers. Among these are two designated Ohio Water Trails – the Muskingum and Kokosing rivers – whereas the third Ohio Water Trail is located on the eastern end of Sandusky Bay.

Watercraft registration and title fees have not changed in over a decade. An online registration renewal service that is available each January through September provides a convenient and easy option to renew a watercraft registration. Ohio boat registrations are valid for a three-year period and expire on March 1.

Boat shows offer some of the best purchase deals of the year. The industry’s latest designs, technologies and other improvements continue to lure buyers who choose to improve their ride on the water. Boat shows also offer the best opportunity to speak with dealers and other industry experts under one roof. Knowledge nurtures boating interest and invites participation. The Division of Watercraft also staffs a display at Ohio’s boat shows that provides a great opportunity to learn about Ohio’s boating opportunities and programs.

January 3, 2008

Anglers Begging For Trouble On Frigid Waters

On a cold and dreary late December Sunday morning, the waters of Sandusky Bay were fast freezing and beginning to form pressure ridges. Only a degree or two above freezing, the nearby waters of Lake Erie near the Marblehead Lighthouse were open and willing to claim a human life at any time. It would be six months before the water temperature was suitable for swimming.

It seemed to me that my choice that day -- to drive past the lake and simply think about the boating and fishing season to come in the spring -- was prudent and reasonable for the weather. What I saw while driving by the lighthouse, however, was rather disturbing: Two fishermen were out on a small open motorboat drifting across the open 33-degree waters of Lake Erie. Both, in fact, were standing in the boat while fishing and did not appear to be wearing life jackets. Admittedly, they could have been wearing float coats or a vest underneath a coat or perhaps an inflatable around the waist. But numbers indicate that few anglers and duck hunters wear lifejackets while out on a boat.

The anglers did not drown nor did they fall overboard. However, they cheated death by a very narrow margin -- it was less than six feet to the water’s surface.

“If you’re not wearing both a life jacket and a wet or dry suit, your chances for survival are limited,” said Al Johnson, a recreational boating safety specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard’s First District in Boston. He was speaking directly to the issue of a cold water immersion.

Sudden cold water immersion generates an uncontrollable gasping reflex, which causes a victim to inhale water into their lungs. Hypothermia never sets in, as drowning is usually immediate.

Knowing when conditions make it unsafe to go boating or fishing is a sign of experience. Being adequately prepared when boating in cold water conditions also is a sign of experience and wisdom. Properly wearing a life jacket leads the list in boating safety tips for winter conditions. Dressing for the water temperature runs a close second.

For a list of cold weather boating and other safety tips, click on "Safety Tips" on the blue navigation bar above to learn more.