Dayton, Ohio could lift 53-year ban on inner tubes, inflatables

"As we are trying to make our rivers more accessible, this opens the opportunity to get on the rivers to a whole bunch of people."

DAYTON — The city of Dayton is considering eliminating a 53-year-old ban on the use of inflated rafts or inner tubes on city waters, which supporters say would add a relatively cheap recreational option for fun-seekers.

The city’s ban, which dates back to 1965, says that people cannot operate watercraft that is in unsafe condition and specifically prohibits inflatables or similar devices.

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Here are three reasons that Dayton could ditch the ban:

1. INCREASING INTEREST IN RIVER

The city may ditch the ban, which would likely boost interest and use of the rivers in the city, since inner tubes are much cheaper than kayaks and other watercraft, said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers MetroParks’ chief of planning and projects.

2. LAZY WATERS

The Stillwater and Great Miami rivers tend to be nice, lazy rivers that would offer relaxing and fun floating opportunities, Scarff said.

3. OPENING THE WATERS TO ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE

People could float from Englewood MetroPark down to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, or from eastern parks along the Mad River to downtown.

“I would hope this opens the rivers to a whole different group of people,” Scarff said.

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