“Ready, Set, Wear It!” Reminds Ohio Boaters to Wear Life Jackets

 

Ohio kicks off National Safe Boating Week May 19-25

As the boating season begins, wearing a life jacket is key to boating safely in the Buckeye State, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The sun may be shining outside, but the water temperatures are still cold. Ohio will kick off National Safe Boating Week, which is held May 19-25.

“While out on the water, people need to wear their life jackets instead of just having them close by on the boat,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “If an accident occurs and you suddenly end up overboard, a life jacket will keep your head above water and could save your life.”

ODNR is celebrating National Safe Boating Week by holding the following six “Ready, Set, Wear It!” life jacket safety awareness events across the state on Saturday, May 19.

 

  • Hosted by Kent Parks and Recreation in partnership with the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft
    Fred Fuller Park
    497 Middlebury Road, Kent 44240
    Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Hosted by Lake Metroparks
    Environmental Learning Center
    7250 Alexander Road, Concord Township 44077
    Time: Noon
    This event will teach kids how to pick out and wear a life jacket of correct size, check its condition and put on to fit properly. A group photo will also be taken.
  • Hosted by ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft
    Buck Creek State Park
    1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield 45377
    Time: Noon–2 p.m.
  • “Ready, Set, Wear It!” event hosted by the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft
    East Fork State Park
    3294 Elklick Road, Bethel 45106
    Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Ohio Boating Education Course hosted by the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft
    Lake Milton State Park, Community Building
    16240 Mahoning Ave., Lake Milton 44429
    Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • “Explore the Shore!” event hosted by the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft
    Shawnee State Park, Turkey Creek Lake Boat Ramp
    4404 State Route 125, West Portsmouth 45663
    Time: 4 p.m.
    At this event, participants will paddle around the lake edges with a naturalist in search of aquatic wildlife and shore vegetation. All equipment will be provided.

The eighth annual “Ready, Set, Wear It!” Life Jacket World Record Days will be held on Saturday, May 19; Saturday, June 9; Saturday, July 7; and Saturday, Aug. 11. The goal is to educate the public about the importance of wearing life jackets and safe boating for all ages throughout the summer. Each event will also showcase the comfortable and versatile options available in today’s modern life jackets.

The National Safe Boating Council, in partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council, invite the boating community, the general public, and the media to participate in “Ready, Set, Wear It!” on May 19, June 9, July 7 and Aug. 11. Participating cities throughout Ohio, and around the globe, will gather to attempt to set a world record for the most life jackets worn and inflatable life jackets inflated.

Ohio boating groups will host events at various venues around the state where boating safety experts will register participants, conduct life jacket safety talks, fit participants for life jackets, stage a countdown and coordinate a group photo.

More Ohio events can be found at safeboatingcampaign.com/ready-set-wear-it/find-an-event. If people would like to host their own “Ready, Set, Wear It!” event, there is still time to register at safeboatingcampaign.com/ready-set-wear-it/register-an-event. Additional information on life jacket safety is available from the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/lifejackets.

“Ready, Set, Wear It!” is about raising awareness about the importance of wearing a life jacket. In 2015, history was made when 10,917 participants at 257 events around the world participated in this fun and educational world record event. Then in 2016 and 2017, the event was just shy of breaking this world record. More than 45,500 people around the world have participated in this fun and educational boating safety event since 2010. For more information about the National Safe Boating Council, visit safeboatingcouncil.org.