ODNR STRESSES BOATING SAFETY FOR 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND: OH

Article Posted: July 08, 2003

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ODNR STRESSES BOATING SAFETY FOR 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND

COLUMBUS, OH - With high temperatures and sunny skies predicted for
much of the July 4 weekend, Ohio boating officials expect state waterways to
be extremely busy. As boaters enjoy the state's numerous waterways, Ohio
watercraft officers are encouraging them to be extra careful this weekend
due to the increased traffic, according to the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources (ODNR).
"This traditionally is the peak summer weekend for boating on most
of our waterways, including the Ohio River and Lake Erie," said Ken Alvey,
chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
Watercraft officers will be patrolling Ohio's public lakes and
rivers throughout the three-day weekend along with local marine patrol
units, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Included in
their enforcement of boating laws, officers will continue to randomly check
boaters to ensure they have the required safety equipment on board and help
provide a safe boating environment.
Not paying attention and not having a proper lookout are the leading
causes of boating accidents in Ohio. Boaters also are included in
enforcement of the state's revised drunk driving law that became effective
July 1. A blood alcohol content of more than 0.08 will be sufficient for
boaters to be charged with operating a watercraft while under the influence
of alcohol (OUI).
Additional information about boating laws, safety tips and education
programs is available at Ohiodnr.com and by calling toll-free 1-877-4BOATER
(1-877-426-2837).


Source: ODNR






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