08-31-2010, 11:10 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - The arrival of the Labor Day Holiday weekend signals the traditional end of the summer boating season. Recreational boaters are encouraged to remain alert and sober to stay safe on Ohio's waterways, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Watercraft.
Holiday weekends mean increased boating traffic and many boaters choose to close out their summer boating season following the Labor Day weekend. So far this year, Ohio has recorded 13 boating-related fatalities-half of these boating accidents involved alcohol consumption.
Many accidents and fatalities can be avoided by observing these and other safe boating tips. More information may be found online at www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft.
â— Keep a proper lookout. There are no "driving lanes" on the water, so boat operators need to be educated on the "rules of the road" and be aware of all other boat traffic in the area.
â— Wear your life jacket. None of this year's boating accident fatality victims were wearing a life jacket or vest when their accidents occurred. Children under the age of 10 are required by law to wear a life jacket while onboard a moving boat less than 18 feet long.
â— Do not drink and operate a boat. Alcohol can affect people much more rapidly on the water- the boat's movement, vibration, noise and glare, and the sun and wind create a so-called boater's hypnosis. Make sure a designated operator refrains from drinking alcohol so they can safely operate the boat.
â— Use navigation lights at ALL times on the water at night, whether the boat is moving or anchored. Do not wait until dark to turn your lights on to see if they are functioning properly.
â— Do not overload your boat with people or equipment. Check the capacity plate on the boat; it indicates the maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people the boat can safely carry.
â— Minimum age requirements. Know Ohio's age requirements for boat and personal watercraft operation (PWC), and don't lend your PWC to anyone underage.
â— Brush up on your boater education knowledge. Take a boating safety course. There are three easy ways for boat operators to take a course in Ohio-in a classroom, on the Internet or through a home study course.
The ODNR Division of Watercraft administers Ohio's boating programs. The agency oversees watercraft registration and titling operations, provides funding to local communities for education, enforcement and boating access facilities, educates the public and enforces boating laws on Ohio's waterways. For more information on Ohio's boating programs, visit www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft or call toll-free 877-4BOATER.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
Holiday weekends mean increased boating traffic and many boaters choose to close out their summer boating season following the Labor Day weekend. So far this year, Ohio has recorded 13 boating-related fatalities-half of these boating accidents involved alcohol consumption.
Many accidents and fatalities can be avoided by observing these and other safe boating tips. More information may be found online at www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft.
â— Keep a proper lookout. There are no "driving lanes" on the water, so boat operators need to be educated on the "rules of the road" and be aware of all other boat traffic in the area.
â— Wear your life jacket. None of this year's boating accident fatality victims were wearing a life jacket or vest when their accidents occurred. Children under the age of 10 are required by law to wear a life jacket while onboard a moving boat less than 18 feet long.
â— Do not drink and operate a boat. Alcohol can affect people much more rapidly on the water- the boat's movement, vibration, noise and glare, and the sun and wind create a so-called boater's hypnosis. Make sure a designated operator refrains from drinking alcohol so they can safely operate the boat.
â— Use navigation lights at ALL times on the water at night, whether the boat is moving or anchored. Do not wait until dark to turn your lights on to see if they are functioning properly.
â— Do not overload your boat with people or equipment. Check the capacity plate on the boat; it indicates the maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people the boat can safely carry.
â— Minimum age requirements. Know Ohio's age requirements for boat and personal watercraft operation (PWC), and don't lend your PWC to anyone underage.
â— Brush up on your boater education knowledge. Take a boating safety course. There are three easy ways for boat operators to take a course in Ohio-in a classroom, on the Internet or through a home study course.
The ODNR Division of Watercraft administers Ohio's boating programs. The agency oversees watercraft registration and titling operations, provides funding to local communities for education, enforcement and boating access facilities, educates the public and enforces boating laws on Ohio's waterways. For more information on Ohio's boating programs, visit www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft or call toll-free 877-4BOATER.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.