05-11-2004, 11:00 PM
ODNR Division of Watercraft Encourages Boaters to “Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It!” with a Courtesy Boat Inspection
Boaters who participate in a courtesy inspection of their vessels in May will receive a free floating key chain from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft. The key chains, a watertight floating canister that is ideal for carrying a boat registration, will be distributed throughout the month of May.
“Starting the season with a thorough review of a boat’s equipment, making sure that the [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/laws/equipment.htm"][#0000ff]essential gear[/#0000ff][/url] is back on the vessel after the winter, is the first step to a safe boating season,” said Ken Alvey, chief of the Division of Watercraft. “With a [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/events/nsbwvsc.htm"][#0000ff]courtesy inspection[/#0000ff][/url], we look for the items that could prove critical while out on the water in emergency situations, including flares, fire extinguishers, and life jackets.”
Boaters are encouraged to attend a [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/ed/mayclasses.htm"][#0000ff]boating safety education course[/#0000ff][/url] before the season starts and perform a [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/safetips/plaunch.htm"][#0000ff]prelaunch checklist[/#0000ff][/url] before the first outing of the season.
“Wearing a life jacket is essential to boating safety,” Alvey said.
Contrary to popular belief, most fatal boating accidents are not the result of massive collisions but occur when someone falls overboard or capsizes a boat. In such situations, even experienced swimmers can tire, lose coordination and drown. Last year in Ohio, 19 people died while boating. A life jacket was not used by 13 of the victims.
"It's all about being prepared for whatever comes your way, every time you go boating," said Alvey
[signature]
Boaters who participate in a courtesy inspection of their vessels in May will receive a free floating key chain from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft. The key chains, a watertight floating canister that is ideal for carrying a boat registration, will be distributed throughout the month of May.
“Starting the season with a thorough review of a boat’s equipment, making sure that the [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/laws/equipment.htm"][#0000ff]essential gear[/#0000ff][/url] is back on the vessel after the winter, is the first step to a safe boating season,” said Ken Alvey, chief of the Division of Watercraft. “With a [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/events/nsbwvsc.htm"][#0000ff]courtesy inspection[/#0000ff][/url], we look for the items that could prove critical while out on the water in emergency situations, including flares, fire extinguishers, and life jackets.”
Boaters are encouraged to attend a [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/ed/mayclasses.htm"][#0000ff]boating safety education course[/#0000ff][/url] before the season starts and perform a [url "http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/safetips/plaunch.htm"][#0000ff]prelaunch checklist[/#0000ff][/url] before the first outing of the season.
“Wearing a life jacket is essential to boating safety,” Alvey said.
Contrary to popular belief, most fatal boating accidents are not the result of massive collisions but occur when someone falls overboard or capsizes a boat. In such situations, even experienced swimmers can tire, lose coordination and drown. Last year in Ohio, 19 people died while boating. A life jacket was not used by 13 of the victims.
"It's all about being prepared for whatever comes your way, every time you go boating," said Alvey
[signature]