April 27, 2004

BOATERS ARE "IN COMMAND" TO GET FREE SAFETY INSPECTIONS IN MAY

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio boaters are encouraged to take advantage of free vessel safety checks during May in observance of National Safe Boating Week, May 22-28, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

The free safety checks are part of a new education campaign by the ODNR Division of Watercraft, its statewide boating partners, and the U.S. Coast Guard called "You're In Command."

"The 'You're In Command' initiative encourages all recreational boaters to take responsibility for their actions on the water," said Ken Alvey, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "The initiative supports the continuing efforts of ODNR and its boating partners to increase awareness about the importance of getting a vessel safety check, taking an approved boating education course, avoiding alcohol consumption and always wearing a life jacket while boating."

The Division of Watercraft, U.S. Power Squadrons, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local marine patrols will conduct the free inspections. As part of the inspection process, state watercraft officers will be distributing free watertight key chains that are ideal for carrying a boat registration.

In 2002, 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.

Boat safety inspectors do not issue citations, but instead provide a completed written inspection form allowing boat operators to make recommended improvements. A large number of insurance providers offer discounted premiums for insured boats that successfully pass an approve watercraft safety inspection.

Ohio ranks 8th nationally with more than 418,000 registered watercraft. An estimated 3.2 million Ohioans enjoy recreational boating and help contribute $1.7 billion to Ohio's recreation and tourism economy each year.

BELOW IS A PARTIAL LISTING OF FREE PUBLIC WATERCRAFT SAFETY INSPECTIONS THAT ARE SCHEDULED IN MAY FOR OHIO'S RECREATIONAL BOATERS.

2004 VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS BY REGION

Northeast Ohio

May 8 Geneva State Park, Lake Erie, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 15 Sand Dollar Marine, Niles, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 16 ARU Marina, Ashtabula River, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 17-23 U.S. Coast Guard Station, Lorain, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 22 East 55th Street Marina, Cleveland Lakefront, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 22 Grand River/Fairport Harbor Boat Ramps, 9.a.m to 5 p.m.
May 22 Holiday Harbor Marina, Huron, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 22 Sweetwater Landing, Rocky River, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 22 Whiskey Island Marina, Cuyahoga River, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
May 22 Meyers Lake Plaza, Canton, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 22 Spitzers Lakeside Marina, Lorain, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 22 Clendening Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 22-23 New Ramp, Portage Lakes, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 22-23 West Ramp, West Branch Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 22-23 Bonner Road Ramp, Berlin Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 22-23 Jersey Street Ramp, Lake Milton, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 22-23 Marina Ramp, Mosquito Creek Lake, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 22-23 Atwood Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 22-23 Leesville Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 23 Mentor Lagoons Marina, Lake Erie, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
May 23 Riverside Yacht Club, Ashtabula River, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 29 Huron Lagoons, Huron River, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 29-30 New Ramp, Portage Lakes, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 29-30 West Ramp, West Branch Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 29-30 Bonner Road Ramp, Berlin Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 29-30 Jersey Street Ramp, Lake Milton, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
May 29-30 Marina Ramp, Mosquito Creek Lake, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
June 5-6 Mosquito Lake State Park Marina, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
June 5 East 55th Street Marina, Cleveland Lakefront, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 6 Jack's Marina, Ashtabula River, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Northwest Ohio

May 23 Mary Jane Thurston State Park, 8 a.m. to Noon
May 23 Napoleon City Boat Ramp, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 23 Sandusky Maritime Museum, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 23 Sandusky Boat Ramp, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 28 Cullen Park, Toledo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

North-Central Ohio

May 22 Charles Mill Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 22 Pleasant Hill Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon
May 23 Pleasant Hill Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.

Central Ohio

May 21 Lieb's Island Ramp, Buckeye Lake, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
May 22 Hollenback and Cheshire Ramps, Alum Creek Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon
May 22 Marina Ramp, Delaware Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon
May 22 Lieb's Island Ramp, Buckeye Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon
May 23 Hollenback and Cheshire Ramps, Alum Creek Lake, Noon to 2 p.m.
May 23 Marina Ramp, Delaware Lake, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
May 23 Lieb's Island Ramp, Buckeye Lake, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

South-Central Ohio

May 22 Holiday Point, Ohio River, Noon to 2 p.m.
May 28 Lake White, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
May 28 Shawnee Marina, Ohio River, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 28 Holiday Point, Ohio River, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southwest Ohio

May 22 Tate Boat Ramp, East Fork Lake, 11 a.m. to Noon
May 22 North Shore Ramp, Rocky Fork Lake, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 23 North Shore Boat Ramp, East Fork Lake, 11 a.m. to Noon

Southeast Ohio

May 22 Lake Rupert, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 22 Jackson Lake, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 22 Big Run Ramp, Dillon Lake, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 22 Dillon Lake Marina, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
May 22 Indian Acres Ramp, Muskingum River/Marietta, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 22 Public Ramp, Muskingum River/McConnelsville, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 22-23 Seneca Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 22-23 Tappan Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 23 Belpre Ramp, Ohio River, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 23 Seven Mile Ramp, Hocking River/Coolville, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 23 Main Ramp, Atwood Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 23 Main Ramp, Seneca Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.
May 23 Morning Glory Ramp, Salt Fork Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon
May 23 Sugar Tree Marina, Salt Fork Lake, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
May 23 Piedmont Lake, 10 a.m. to Noon & 2-4 p.m.

Note: Additional vessel safety checks will be conducted at various times May 22-29 at Timbre Ridge Lake (Lawrence County), Tycoon Lake (Gallia County), Gallipolis city boat ramp (Gallia County), and at the Gallia County Boat Club and KH Butler-Ohio River boat ramp.