Governor Ted Strickland Signs Legislation to Enhance Boating Safety on Ohio Waterways
June 13, 2008
COLUMBUS, OH - Governor Ted Strickland today signed legislation to enhance boating safety on Ohio waterways, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.
Senate Bill 271, passed by the Ohio General Assembly last month, addresses a diversity of issues across the state. It became effective immediately upon the governor’s signature.
The new legislation creates the following changes in Ohio boating laws:
1) Establishes “failure to control” as an enforceable boat operator rule. Many accidents occur as the result of operator inexperience or the forces of nature. These are not the result of a “rules of the road” violation or caused by reckless operation, but may result in minor property damage or injury.
Examples of situations encompassed by the “failure to control” law include: over-compensation in strong winds or currents, loss of steerage on jet boats when the throttle is released, and attempting to maneuver under sail power alone through congested areas like marinas that may result in an accident.
2) Increases the horsepower limit on Pymatuning Lake in northeastern Ohio to 20 horsepower. Approximately two-thirds of the lake is within the boundaries of Pennsylvania, which passed legislation to allow for the increase several years ago. The aim of this legislation is to remove the confusion surrounding the Pymatuning Lake Compact and improve boater safety.
3) Creates a “no wake zone,” requiring boat operators to reduce their speed when passing a boat actively engaged in providing public service, including law enforcement, fireboats, search and rescue teams, dredges and towing services. This is similar to the law requiring motorists to proceed with caution and change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary public safety vehicle displaying an emergency light.
4) Permits boaters to “slow tow” ski tubes and other towables in no-wake zones and areas outside of the designated speed and ski zones. Enactment of this provision will create additional recreational opportunities for individuals who are physically unable to manage or do not desire the higher speeds of open zones.
5) Allows children under 10 years of age, who board a watercraft under 18 feet in length, to wear a swimsuit-style life jacket. The children’s Type V personal flotation device was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard several years ago and is designed to be more comfortable and better suited to the activities of children participating in family boating.
6) Allows for the transfer of electronic titles for outboard motors. This provision reduces the time it takes to transfer titles by preventing the need for a watercraft dealer to first issue a physical title.
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Personal Watercraft Require Attentive and Knowledgeable Operators
May 31, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. - Propelled by jets of water, personal watercraft are fast and easy to maneuver, which is a large part of their appeal – and their potential danger.
“You need to know how your personal watercraft works and the regulations that apply to its ownership and operation before you get on it,” said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state’s boating safety coordinator. “Any maneuver that endangers people or property constitutes reckless operation and is breaking the law.”
Reckless operation, lack of proper safety equipment and exceeding capacity are the most frequently cited violations for personal watercraft operators in North Carolina. Another common violation is underage operators. State law restricts anyone younger than 16 from operating a personal watercraft unless:
- They are at least 14 years old and riding with a person who is at least 18.
- They are at least 14 years old and have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course, and have proof of age and safety course completion with them while operating the personal watercraft.
“It is also against the law to knowingly let anyone younger than 16 operate a personal watercraft who doesn’t meet those qualifications,” Capt. Huebner added.
For more information on operating a personal watercraft in North Carolina, click here or call (919) 707-0031.
To enroll in a free N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission-sponsored Boating Education Course, click here or call (919) 707-0031.
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Boating Law Enforcement Stepped Up Memorial Day Weekend
May 22, 2008
Frankfort, Ky. – Boaters will be out in droves this Memorial Day Weekend, shaking off winter’s cold as they enjoy warm weather and the start of Kentucky’s boating season. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conservation officers will also be on the water to help keep the weekend safe for all.
“We’re going to have every available officer on the water this weekend, to watch for violations and make sure everybody stays safe,” said Lt. Mike Fields, boating law administrator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “The officers will be looking for moving violations, rules of the road violations and intoxicated boat operators.”
Moving violations include sitting on a boat’s gunwales, or sides, or on the back of a boat while the boat is underway. All passengers must sit inside the boat when under power. About half of boating related fatalities result from falls overboard.
Rules of the road violations include reckless operation such as cutting between boats or cutting too close to boats in congested areas. Reckless operation can lead to collisions with other boats – another cause of boating fatalities.
One of the most dangerous mistakes boaters can make is boating while under the influence. “Alcohol and boating do not mix,” said Fields. “Nationally, about one-quarter of all boat fatalities involve alcohol. Here in Kentucky, our numbers are as high as one in two.”
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officers will team up with Kentucky State Police again this year for the Keep It a Safe Summer campaign, which emphasizes the connection between intoxicated boaters and intoxicated drivers.
Officers will also check boaters to make sure they have all required safety equipment on board. Kentucky law requires boaters to have enough personal flotation devices, or life jackets, for everyone on board the boat. Kids under the age of 12 must wear their life jackets while in the open part of a boat that is underway. Though this is both a state and federal law, conservation officers have seen an increase in citations for kids not wearing their life jackets.
There’s good reason for everyone to wear a life jacket. Of the 13 boating fatalities in Kentucky last year, only three involved someone who was wearing one. “Your chances of survival go up if you have that life jacket on at the time of an accident,” said Fields. “Make sure you have a life jacket for everyone on board, make sure everyone knows where it is, and make sure it fits.”
Life jackets have come a long way from the hot, restrictive vests our parents wore. Today’s models are lighter and more comfortable than ever. Inflatable vests are some of the least cumbersome available.
“With Father’s Day coming up, they’re a great idea for the sportsman,” said Fields. “They’re a little expensive, but they may save somebody’s life.”
State law also requires boats with flammable liquids on board to have a working fire extinguisher. Boaters should make sure their fire extinguisher is charged and easily accessible.
Kentucky has plenty of opportunity to enjoy boating this summer. To find a place to boat, go online to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov.
For complete boating regulations, pick up a copy of the 2008 Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide, available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
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