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Ohio Boaters Get Free Safety Inspections Next Month
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio boaters are encouraged to take advantage of free vessel safety checks during May in observance of National Safe Boating Week, May 22 to 28, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 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 initiative encourages all recreational boaters to take responsibility for their actions on the water," says 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.Inspection sites and dates for selected northeastern Ohio waterways are as follows: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 22: Grand River/Fairport Harbor Boat Ramps, 9.a.m to 5 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 22-23: 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 23: Riverside Yacht Club, Ashtabula River, 11 a.m. to 3 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 6: Jack's Marina, Ashtabula River, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to inspections, boating safety classes are held throughout the year for Ohio boaters (to read story, click here)."