State agency schedules free boat-safety checks

3/14/2012

With the weather warming, boating season looms. Area residents can prepare for the season with a free boat-safety inspection thanks to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

"It's a great way to start the boating season with a focus on safety," said John Wisse, spokesman for ODNR's watercraft division.

The inspections will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. March 24 at the Mazurik Boat Ramp in Danbury Township, just east of Port Clinton.

Other inspections will be held at Fenwick Marina, from 5 to 6 p.m. March 30 and 9 to 10 a.m. March 31.

Inspectors will mainly look to make sure a boat has the right equipment, such as distress signals and life jackets, and that everything is working properly.

"We don't write tickets if we find something that needs to be fixed. We tell the boater that," Mr. Wisse said.

For information, contact the ODNR at 614-265-6695.