Natural Resources Officers helping boaters prepare for safe fun on the water
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft is helping boaters get ready for a safe and enjoyable season on the water with free vessel safety checks. These voluntary inspections, conducted by ODNR Natural Resources Officers, ensure that boats are properly equipped with all legally required safety gear before setting out for the season.
Boaters are encouraged to bring their vessels, fully prepped as if heading out on the water, to one of the scheduled safety check locations. Officers will inspect boats for required equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights, while also providing helpful tips to ensure a safe and successful boating season.
ODNR NROs will be available this spring to assist the public in conducting free vessel safety checks.
“Vessel safety checks are a great opportunity for boaters to make sure their boats and trailers are ready for the season before hitting the water,” said Cindy Bellar, ODNR Boating Law Administrator. “These inspections give boaters peace of mind, knowing they have the necessary equipment to meet legal requirements and stay safe on the water.”
Boaters who pass the inspection will receive a vessel safety check (VSC) decal, showing compliance with Ohio’s safety requirements. If an issue is found, officers will provide guidance on how to correct it.
ODNR urges boaters to check the Ohio Required Equipment charts for their type of vessel and ensure all legally required items are on board before arriving at an inspection. Boaters who are unable to attend a scheduled safety check can contact their nearest ODNR watercraft office to arrange an inspection.
Upcoming free vessel safety checks:
April
Sunday, April 6:
- Delaware State Park – Main Marina boat ramp – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, April 11:
- Side Cut Metropark (Metroparks Toledo) – Silver Lake parking lot – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday April 12:
- Side Cut Metropark (Metroparks Toledo) – 475 Boat access – 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Delaware State Park – Main Marina boat ramp – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Sunday, April 27:
- Delaware State Park – Main Marina boat ramp – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Alum Creek State Park – New Galena boat ramp – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
May
Saturday, May 3:
- Franklin Furnace – Holiday Point Marina – noon to 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 17:
- Delaware State Park – Main Marina boat ramp – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Indian Lake State Park – Lakeview boat ramp – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Dillon State Park – Dillon Marina – noon to 2 p.m.
- Buck Creek State Park – Marina boat ramp – noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday, May 18:
- Indian Lake State Park – Blackhawk boat ramp – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Salt Fork State Park – Salt Fork Marina – noon to 2 p.m.
- Grand Lake St. Marys State Park – West Bank boat ramp – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Grand Lake St. Marys State Park – East Bank boat ramp – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Kiser Lake State Park – Kiser Lake Marina – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 23:
- East Fork State Park – Tate boat ramp – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Indian Lake State Park – Moundwood boat ramp – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24:
- Lake White State Park – Lake White boat ramp – noon to 4 p.m.
- Lake Loramie State Park – Earls Island boat ramp – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- East Fork State Park – Tate boat ramp – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
June
Saturday, June 21
- Rocky Fork State Park – North Shore boat ramp – 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on boating safety and regulations, visit ohiodnr.gov/boating. Don’t wait until you’re on the water to discover you’re missing something. Get peace of mind with a free vessel safety check.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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Editor’s Note: High Resolution Photo
For more information, contact:
Karina Cheung, ODNR Office of Communications
Media Line: 614-265-6860
Mobile: 614-202-4756
or
Dave Parsons, ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft
Mobile: 740-504-6884