Boaters at Indian Lake are preparing for the 2026 season. (TOM STEPHENS PHOTO)
COLUMBUS — As Ohioans prepare for another season on the water, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft is joining agencies across the country to recognize National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22.
This nationwide event launches the global Safe Boating Campaign, encouraging all boaters to build good habits that keep every outing fun and safe.
“Safe boating isn’t complicated. A life jacket, a plan, and a little awareness go a long way,” said Glen Cobb, chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. “We want every family to enjoy Ohio’s waterways with confidence, and that starts with choosing safety every time you head out.”
U.S. Coast Guard statistics continue to underscore the importance of life jackets: drowning accounts for nearly 75 percent of recreational boating fatalities, and most of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.
Boaters can reduce risks by following a few key tips:
Wear a life jacket: Choose a U.S. Coast Guard–approved jacket that fits properly.
Take a boating safety course: Training builds skills for every experience level.
Make a float plan: Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return.
Use an engine cut‑off switch: Required by law—this device stops your boat if you fall overboard.
Check the weather: Conditions can change quickly.
Stay sober: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
Stay connected: Carry a waterproof communication device, such as a VHF radio or waterproof phone.
Start the season with a life jacket check
Before your first launch of the year, inspect your life jackets, especially inflatable models. Look for rips, corrosion, expired components, and worn materials. Ensure the U.S. Coast Guard approval label is readable. For inflatable jackets, manually inflate and leave them overnight to confirm there are no leaks. Replace expired or used parts and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to re-arm the life jacket.
Whether you’re fishing, paddling, tubing or cruising Ohio’s lakes and rivers, a few simple steps, such as wearing a life jacket, can prevent tragedies and save lives.
Learn more about boating safety in Ohio at ohiodnr.gov/boating.
Recognized as the number one state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, 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.
