COLUMBUS, OH -- "Boat Smart From The Start, Wear A Life Jacket" is the theme of National Safe Boating Week, which begins Saturday and runs through May 25, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the National Safe Boating Council. The goal of the campaign is to increase public awareness of boating safety.
"Wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets is the single most important preventive action boaters can take to save lives on the water. Without doubt, more boating accident victims would still be alive had they been properly wearing life jackets," said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
Hoedt, a past president of the Northern Association of Boating Administrators, also is an executive board member of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. He joins other national boating leaders in stressing the role of life jackets in watercraft safety.
Last year, 25 people died in boating accidents on Ohio waters, including 22 who were not properly wearing life jackets. On the average, 20 people have died each year in boating accidents in Ohio since 1990.
A continued focus on boating safety and education by marine industry and boating organizations has helped make recreational boating safer and more enjoyable. Last year, Ohio had a record of 416,798 registered recreational watercraft. During the period of 1990-2000, Ohio's population increased 4.7 percent, while watercraft registrations increased 10.1 percent.
"The national outreach and awareness campaign known as Safe Boating Week is designed to reach more than 80 million boaters across North America and stress the importance of wearing an approved life jacket while boating," said Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. The National Safe Boating Council, based in Delaware, Ohio, was established in 1958 and today has a membership of more than 290 U.S. and Canadian organizations whose primary interests lie in boating safety and education.
Local events include:
Across Ohio, local communities are observing National Safe Boating Week with events and exhibits.
In Sandusky, Operation Mayday VII is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20 in Battery Park. Sponsored by the Erie County Safe Boating Week Committee and its partners, the event allows boaters to get information on safe boating and obtain vessel safety checks. Special displays of life-saving equipment and boating safety demonstrations are also scheduled. Contact Sgt. Robert VanScoy at the Sandusky Police Department at 419-627-5863 for information.
The U.S. Coast Guard Station in Lorain will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 26. The USCG, the USCG Auxiliary, Lorain Harbor Patrol and the ODNR Division of Watercraft will have boats on display, in addition to emergency vehicles from the City of Lorain. Free vessel safety checks are offered. The USCG Air Rescue helicopter will do a fly-by and a rescue drill will be conducted on the Black River, weather permitting. Boating information will be made available and boater education proficiency testing will be offered at $10 per person. Door prizes, beverages and children's games also offered. Contact the U.S. Coast Guard in Lorain at 419-228-1207 for information.
In the Cincinnati area, a Boy Scout Family Jamboree is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 19 at Old Coney Island. This event is sponsored by the Cincinnati Power Squadron & Propeller Club and features an exhibit by the Port of Cincinnati, along with various boating safety demonstrations and a tour of the Ohio River. Contact Robert or Joan Rice 859-441-2084 for more information.
Also on May 19, WLW-AM personality Gary Burbank will host Robert Alexander and Norm Kueckels on his drive-time radio show (4 p.m.- 5 p.m.). Alexander and Kueckels, members of the Cincinnati Power Squadron & Propeller Club, will discuss the American National Safe Boating campaign and the power squadron's "Boat Smart" courses. Contact: Norm Kueckels at 513-554-2628 for more information.
Watercraft officers will conduct courtesy boat inspections at The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 300 Forest Fair Drive, Cincinnati, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 24. Call 513-826-5200 for information.
On May 19-20, various boating groups will hand out safe boating information and offer free vessel safety checks at various boat launch ramps in central Ohio. Call the ODNR Division of Watercraft at 740-548-5490 for specific times and locations.
Representatives of the ODNR Division of Watercraft and other area boating partners will be at the Ohio Statehouse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 23 for a ceremony and to distribute safe boating information packets.
"Coastie," ODNR's robotic safety boat, will be at Highbanks Metro Park from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on May 24 to conduct a safe boating program for students from Olentangy Arrowhead Elementary Kindergarten. Contact John Wargo at 740-548-5490 for information.
In Toledo, the U.S. Coast Guard station will host a Safe Boating Week open house from noon to 4 p.m. on May 19. Visitors will be able to tour the station, meet U.S. Coast Guard personnel, view the LifeFlight helicopter and attend the christening of the Lucas County Sheriff's Department new marine patrol boat. Kids will also enjoy meeting "Coastie," ODNR's robotic boat that talks to kids about boating safety. Contact the ODNR Division of Watercraft local office at 419-836-6003 for more information.