BOATING SAFETY

            Spending hot, summer days cruising one of Ohio’s waterways in a wave runner or boat can provide hours of enjoyment. Ohio’s parks, beaches and waterways are an attraction to people looking to fish, water-ski, tube and swim. If you are one of those looking to get out on the water this summer, it is important to remember Ohio’s boating laws and safety regulations.

            According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), there were 408,495 boats registered in Ohio last year. The number of boats registered in Ohio has continued to grow since 1993, when there were 384,048 boats registered. With the increase in water traffic and the hidden dangers associated with boating, the 122^nd General Assembly saw a need for boater education.

            House Bill 502 was signed into Ohio law by then-Ohio Governor George Voinovich on June 25, 1998. Taking effect on January 1, 2000, the law prohibits any person born on or after January 1, 1982, from operating a vessel powered by more than 10 horsepower unless the person has successfully completed a boating education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or a proficiency examination approved by the ODNR Division of Watercraft.

            The law also applies to those seeking to rent a vessel powered by more than 10 horsepower. An individual must sign a statement that they have successfully completed the course. If they have not taken the course, a person receives educational materials from the rental business and must pass with a score of 90 percent or better on an abbreviated exam given by the rental business.

            Additionally, the law limits any person under the age of 16 from operating a personal watercraft. However, the law does permit children age 12 to 16 to operate a personal watercraft if a supervising person 18 years of age or older is aboard the personal watercraft.

            Boater education is the best way to ensure boating safety on Ohio’s waterways. According to ODNR, there were 19 boating fatalities in 1999 and to date there have been 13 fatalities in 2000. When heading out on the water, it is important to ensure safety while boating.

            The best way to ensure that all of your passengers are safe is to encourage them to wear lifejackets. Persons being towed on water skis or similar devices, those using personal watercraft such as jet skis and wave runners and children under age 10 who are riding in boats less than 18 feet long are required by Ohio law to wear a lifejacket. Everyone else is able to choose whether or not to wear a lifejacket.

            The ODNR reports that 11 of the 13 boaters who lost their lives in Ohio waters this year were not wearing lifejackets. Wearing a lifejacket is the number one way to ensure safety while boating. Most boating deaths occur when someone unexpectedly falls overboard or capsizes a boat and drowns.

            Before heading out for a day of fun on the water, you should be sure your boat has, in addition to lifejackets, the following safety equipment: fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, sound signaling devices, anchor and line, and lights.

            While boating trips often include hours of socializing, it is important to remember that the person operating the vessel is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under Ohio law, a person is in violation of this requirement with a 0.10 or more Blood Alcohol Content. This also applies to those participating in boating activities such as water-skiing.

            The penalties for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are:

• A minimum 3 days jail, $150 fine and maximum six months jail $1,000 fine for a first offense;
   
• A minimum 10 days jail, $150 fine and maximum six months jail $1,000 fine for a second offense; and
   
• A minimum 30 days jail, $150 fine and maximum six months jail $1,000 fine for a third offense.

           While boating often appears to be a carefree, summer activity, it is important to be aware of the law governing Ohio’s waterways. ODNR can provide you with the new edition of the Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide, which offers updated information on current laws and safety tips for boating on Ohio’s rivers. The guide is available at Division of Watercraft facilities and local watercraft registration agents. Boaters can call the Division’s toll free number, 1-877-4BOATER (1-877-426-2837) or e-mail watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us to receive a copy.

            If you have any questions about this or any other state issue, please feel free to contact me, State Representative Anthony Core, 77 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43266-0603.

Paid for by the Anthony E. Core for State Representative Committee, 111 S. Madriver St., Bellefontaine, OH  43311, Nancy Wisse, Treasurer