DELAWARE — From casting lines to making wakes, Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial start of boating season as families fill waterways across Delaware County.
Whether it’s someone’s first time out on the water, or they’re a seasoned sailor, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Watercraft Division and America’s Boating Club of Central Ohio have a few safety tips to keep the good times rolling.
ODNR Lt. Dawn Powell said patience is key this weekend when heading out to Alum Creek State Park— a hotspot for boating all summer long.
“Expect delays, expect heavy traffic, be patient,” Powell said.
“Getting on the water right away, if you’re not going to get here right away, can be a little frustrating. So if you can’t start the weekend until Friday afternoon or evening, or even Saturday, understand that it’s going to be like rush hour traffic.”
Once folks make it to the boat ramp, but preferably beforehand, Powell said people need to make sure their boat has the correct safety equipment, especially on busy weekends.
ODNR’s website breaks down all the equipment necessary, depending on the boat’s length and motor. The agency also has a chart that Powell encourages folks use as a checklist before leaving the dock for the first time this season.
“For those unsure if you have everything, our officers statewide would love to do a vessel safety inspection prior to getting on the water,” Powell said.
“If any safety equipment is missing from the boat, you will not be cited for it as long as you aren’t on the water yet.”
Powell recommended that people schedule safety inspections at boat ramps ahead of time or wave down an officer before setting sail.
Life jackets yes, alcohol no
People operating a boat cannot consume alcohol on waterways in the state of Ohio, Powell explained.
“Obviously, we don’t want people boating or driving impaired, and that includes any types of drug use, marijuana, any illicit drugs,” she said.
“You can have alcohol in the campground on your reserved campsite only, or in a state lodge, area, bar or lodge room.”
Leave the booze behind, but don’t forget to grab the most important safety equipment: life jackets.
Plain and simple, life jackets save lives, Powell said.
“If we can get any public service announcement out at all, it’s please wear your life jacket,” she said.
Boaters should:
- Have a life jacket for every person on the boat that fits the person properly.
- Make sure the life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
- Take the life jacket out of the packaging.
- Not put life jackets in locked compartments, make them accessible.
Buoys and patrolling officers
Alum Creek State Park is one of several sites that allow unlimited powerboats, meaning there is no horsepower cap for motors.
“I would say the only thing to keep in mind, though, is that Alum Creek is very cove driven,” Powell said. “But with all the rain we’ve had, that shouldn’t be a problem.”
Powell confirmed that all the proper buoys are already floating on waterways around the county, including ones for directional usage, no wake zones, idle speed zones, dangerous areas and more.
But if something bad does happen, Powell said officers will be patrolling waterways nearly all day.
“Every single unit, any waterway is going to have probably 12 hours plus of patrol each day,” she said. “Here at Alum Creek, we will have someone from 8 a.m. till about 2 a.m., so you’re going to see saturated patrols this weekend.”
The Boating Club offers classes to new boaters
America’s Boating Club of Central Ohio Commander Jason Mack echoed a lot of the same safety tips about equipment Powell said.
“Basically, we’re seeing a lot of people who are unprepared,” Mack said.
“I would definitely tell people to sit in their driveways before going to Alum Creek to make sure they have all the right safety equipment instead of figuring it out on the water when it’s too late.”
The club also offers classes to prepare people for every scenario possible, which in turn makes boat ramps move quicker as people are ready to roll when they get to the water.
“We’re looking forward to a safe boating Memorial Day weekend and another great boating season,” Mack said.
