But being on the water, no matter how peaceful, is not without risks. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft, there were 157 recreational boating accidents in 2010, involving 201 vessels, resulting in 80 injuries and 16 fatalities.
“I think safety is underrated in any recreational sport,” State Watercraft Officer Dawn Potter said. “People have the attitude that ‘it’s not going to happen to me.’ ”
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 2011 marked the first increase in the recreational boating industry’s retail sales since 2006. And boating participation increased 10 percent to 83 million Americans last year.
Potter said registrations of hand-powered vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, are also on the rise. With more people boating, attention to safety becomes even more critical.
“Our waterways are so accessible to everyone that boating is a very popular activity across the state,” Potter said. “Everything can be fun as long as you’re safe.”
Know the law
A driver’s license is fine for the roadways but not the waterways.
Ohio law requires that boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, must successfully complete either a boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or a proficiency exam approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft in order to operate a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower.
The state of Ohio also has various age restrictions to keep in mind. Children younger than 12 may not operate a personal watercraft, like a SeaDoo or Waverunner. Children ages 12-15 can operate a PWC as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult, 18 or older, who is onboard and both the child and adult have education certificates. Children 16 and older can operate a PWC as long as they have an education certificate. And children have to be 12 or older to operate a canoe or kayak without supervision.
Registration is required for every recreational boat in Ohio, including canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, inflated boats and paddle boards. The United States Coast Guard recently designated float tubes as vessels so they must also be registered under Ohio law, the exception is float tubes with one air cell. Boat registrations are good for three years.
The Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide is available online at ohiodnr.com. The ODNR website also has information on NASBLA-approved classroom and online boater education courses. Safety first
“The biggest thing people should be aware of, whether they are a new boater or they haven’t been on the water for a while, is safety equipment,” Potter said.
Ohio law requires that lifejackets be worn while riding a personal watercraft, while waterskiing or being towed on a similar device and for children younger than 10 on any vessel less than 18 feet in length. Personal flotation devices need to be available for all passengers whether they are on a powerboat, sailboat or a manually propelled watercraft.
“They need to be U.S. Coast Guard approved and readily accessible,” Potter said. “They can’t be stowed away somewhere in a locked box.”
The safety equipment required by law to be carried onboard depends first on the type of propulsion and then by style and length of the boat. Fire extinguishers, for example, are required on powerboats but not sailboats. The ODNR website has a complete list of all required safety equipment. And if you aren’t sure you have everything you need, the state offers free safety inspections year round.
“We are constantly trying to educate people,” Potter said. “We would much rather educate than give citations.”
Manually propelled watercraft are not immune to mishaps.
“Fatigue can set in regardless of what you are operating,” Potter said. “You need to be smart about where you boat and when you go boating and always be prepared for self-rescue.”
Ohio Department of Natural Resources splash facts
One of the most common causes of boating fatalities is drowning after falling overboard. One way to reduce the risk of taking a plunge is to sit in seats designed for that purpose. Bow riding is especially dangerous because unexpected movement, large waves or sudden change in course could easily throw the passenger in the water. The risk of injury from being run over by the boat or being struck by the propeller is great in such situations.
Overloading is a leading cause of capsizing and swamping, especially in small boats. Capsizing and swamping are leading causes of boating deaths.
The law requires you to always wear your personal flotation device when water-skiing, tubing or any other similar activity.
Try Kayaking
If you prefer people power to horsepower, then maybe a paddlesport is more your speed. RiverScape MetroPark kayak rentals are available Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 1. Five Rivers MetroParks also offer a variety of programs for novice and experienced kayak and canoeing enthusiasts alike. For a complete listing of programs, visit www.metroparks.org.
Kayak basics: 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 12 at Eastwood MetroPark Blue Lake, 1401 Harshman Road.
A hands-on class to help students become acquainted with equipment and learn basic paddle strokes and concepts along with safety topics. Open to all ages but Intro to Kayak is a prerequisite. Information: (937) 277-4374.
Fundamentals of Moving Water: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 19 at Eastwood MetroPark Mad River Access parking lot, 1385 Harshman Road.
Learn moving water instruction that deals with controlling your kayak on the river. Learn to perform a variety of maneuvers that will improve your paddling ability, promote confidence and help you avoid hazards frequently encountered on the river. Prerequisites: Intro to Kayak and Kayak Basics. Registration required.
Try Kayaking: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 31 at Page Manor’s pool, 240 Chapel Lane.
An introduction to boat and safety gear, opportunities to try different styles of kayaks. Free for all ages, but registration is requested. Call (937) 277-4374.
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