After this long winter, we especially need your help encouraging boaters to wear their life jackets. While the sun is shining and the air temperature is warm the water is still very cold. As of today, we have had five confirmed boating fatalities in 2014, and we are currently searching for two more missing fishermen on Lake Erie. These three fatal accidents happened on boats ranging from a kayak to a 21-foot fishing boat. The boaters were on a metro park lake, a state park lake and on Lake Erie. Three of the five boaters that lost their life were not wearing life jackets.Whether power-boating, sailing, paddling or fishing, there is a lot to enjoy on Ohio’s beautiful waterways during this much anticipated start to the boating season. We just need to help people remember to properly prepare and take safety precautions.Click here to view a fact sheet which includes some very important information on the effects of cold water as well as links to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft website for important boating and safety information.You can also click here to view a list of possible social media posts for you to consider sharing with your members and customers.
