With boating season on the horizon, the Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s State Parks and Watercraft Division recommends the following safety tips:
• ensuring your boat is in proper order
• outfitting your boat with the required safety equipment (including personal flotation devices, visual distress signals, sound signaling devices, anchor and a line and lights) and knowing how to use them;
• performing a vessel safety check;
• taking a boating safety class;
• being aware of the local navigational hazards;
• checking the weather; and
• leaving things that increase your risk (like alcohol) at home.
The No. 1 rule the ODNR cited is managing your risk — “Be safe while you boat is really about being prepared for any situation that might arise. Many things that can go wrong actually are within your control,” according to its website.
An aspect within your control can be performing a pre-launch checklist which includes checking:
• the boat registration;
• the safety equipment;
• life jackets;
• flares and fire extinguishers;
• the first-aid kit;
• fittings;
• for winter damage;
• the fuel system;
• the electronic gear;
• the dock and anchor lines;
• the boat trailer;
• the oil
• the sailboat rigging; and
• charts and maps.
It is also strongly recommended for boaters to be informed about current boating laws as they are subject to change and “it is the responsibility of the operator to be aware of the most current laws when using the boat,” the website says
A recent law change makes it so kiteboards, paddleboards, belly boats and sailboards are now exempt from registration, but still require safety equipment.
Boaters are also required by law to report a Recreational Boating Accident form when involved in accidents that result in loss of life or disappearance from a vessel, an injury that requires treatment beyond first aid, combined damage in excess of $500 or complete loss of a vessel. They must submit the report within five days for all of the listed incidents except for loss of life which must be reported within 24 hours.
To report an accident call 614-265-6480, 1-877-426-2837 or #ODNR.