In just a couple of months once again the lakes of the area will be filled with boaters, skiers and fishermen. It is important, if you plan to be out there on the water, that you know the ins and outs of boating.
Ohio law was passed that requires boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1982 to successfully complete either a Boater Education course or a proficiency exam if they are going to operate a boat with a 10 horsepower motor or more. This applies to operators and supervising adults. The law currently affects young adults but will eventually affect everyone that operates a boat with more than the allotted horsepower.
The Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) will be holding the approved Boater Education course in March at the Boyd Esler Senior/Community Center at 2491 Canfield Road in Springfield Township. The course is open to the public and consists of a variety of audio-visual teaching aids and is geared to average learning ability. Once the course has been completed and education certificate will be issued by mail. The certificate is not a license, but it shows proof that the bearer passed the course. It is accepted in surrounding states. According to law, having a driver license to operate a car has nothing to do with operating a boat.
To receive the certification participants must attend all evening classes and pass a test. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult to attend. The cost of the course is five dollars which pays for all handouts from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
"We are pleased to provide a place where people can learn about boater safety at a minimal cost," said Springfield Trustee Bruce Killian. "Because we have so many recreational waterways nearby including our own Springfield Lake and the Portage Lakes, we thank the Watercraft Division of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for providing this course."
The deadline for pre-registration is March 4. The classes will be held on March 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. To register call Cindy Roberts at 330-794-1739 extension 4116. The $5 will be collected at the first evening class.
For more information about Ohio’s boater laws, log onto www.dnr.state.oh.us and click on the Boating tab. Then click on Education in the left margin or call the local Division of Watercraft at 330-644-2265.
