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FREE BOAT SAFETY INSPECTIONS A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN THIS YEAR'S OHIO BOATING SEASON COLUMBUS, OH - Boaters will have the opportunity to start the
boating season off right this spring by receiving a free boat safety
inspection, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"Starting the boating season with a thorough vessel safety check,
and taking an approved boater education course, are the first steps to
assuring a safe boating season," said Ken Alvey, chief of the ODNR Division
of Watercraft.
As part of the observance of National Safe Boating Week May 17-23,
the Division of Watercraft, the U.S. Power Squadrons, U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary and local marine patrols will focus special attention during the
month of May on providing courtesy vessel safety inspections. As part of
the inspection process, state watercraft officers will be distributing a
watertight key chain that is ideal for carrying a boat registration.
Last year, Ohio was among the first states to join a nationwide
vessel safety check program allowing inspected boats to display a special
decal that one day will be recognized throughout the country. Boaters will
receive the new decal from state watercraft officers and other ODNR boating
partners following a boat safety inspection.
Ohio ranks 8th nationally with more than 416,000 registered
watercraft. An estimated 3,200,000 Ohioans enjoy recreational boating and
help contribute and estimated $1,500,000,000 to Ohio's recreation and
tourism economy each year.
For additional information on vessel safety inspections, contact the
ODNR Division of Watercraft toll-free at 1-877-4BOATER, and visit the ODNR
web page at ohiodnr.com
Source: ODNR
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