The State Legislature enacted new boating regulations on March 17,1997.
The new regulations establish minimum age limits for operation of
personal watercraft. Persons between the ages of 12 and 16 are now
prohibited from operating a personal watercraft without the direct,
on-board supervision of a person over the age of 18. A personal watercraft
is defined as a vessel less than 16 feet in length propelled by machinery,
and designed to be operated by an individual sitting or kneeling on
the vessel rather than sitting or kneeling inside the vessel.
There are tougher restrictions on drinking and boating. Minimum blood-alcohol
limits are now more stringent for boat operators who are under Ohio's
legal drinking age of 21, bringing state boating law into agreement
with the limit already in place for underage motor vehicle drivers.
The new regulations increase the age requirement for a supervising
person. The age of a person supervising boat operation by anyone under
12 years of age has been raised from 16 to 18 years of age. No one
under 12 years of age may operate any vessel unless that person is
under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person 18 years
of age or older.
Over 800 people die in boating-related accidents each year according
to the U.S. Coast Guard. The latest reports estimated a yearly total
of over 6,900 recreational boating accidents - the most ever reported.
"Nearly nine out of ten of the drowning victims were not wearing their
life jacket," said Captain Tony Stimatz of the U.S. Coast Guard. "It's
simple, life jackets save lives."
The U.S. Coast Guard, National Safety Council and Muskingum
Watershed Conservancy District offer these tips for using a life jacket:
Buy your own personal life jacket and use it. One size does not fit
all. There may not be one available that fits to rent or borrow.
- Look at the label. It will provide weight, size and use information.
- Try it on to check the fit. Once the straps and buckles are secured,
it should not slip over your head or come above your ears.
- Never use water toys in place of a U.S. Coast Guard approved life
jacket.
- Throw away a life jacket if you find air leakage, mildew or rot.
- Never alter a life jacket. It could lose its effectiveness.
- Check your life jackets yearly for flotation and fit.
- Wear a life jacket to set an example for younger children while
you increase your chances of survival.
For more tips on using life jackets contact the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline
at: 1-800-368-5647.
Or visit the Division
of Watercraft
