COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nineteen community boating safety education programs received a total of $250,000 this year through the Boating Safety Education Grant, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“Boating safety education grants provide critical boating skills and training to local residents,” said Director Mary Mertz. “Community safety training programs ensure a fun and safe day on the water for all boaters.”
Individual grant awards provided by ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft range from $4,488 to $24,513.71. The grants are funded by Ohio’s recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a share of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The following is a list of this year’s grants by Ohio county:
Ashtabula County
• Ashtabula YMCA – $9,299.50
Cuyahoga County
• Bay Sea Scouts – $7,042.50
• City of Cleveland – $7,583.71
• Cleveland Metroparks – $24,513.71
Erie County
• Erie Metroparks – $9,232.00
• City of Sandusky – $15,599.00
Fairfield County
• River Rangers – $16,793.30
Franklin County
• Boy Scouts of America / Simon Kenton Council – $4,547.52
• West Ohio Conference of UMC – $22,217.40
Geauga County
• Camp Ho Mita Koda – $6,898.75
Hamilton County
• Rivers Unlimited – $16,384.00
Hocking County
• Big Brothers / Big Sisters – $14,621.58
Lake County
• Lake Metroparks – $10,834.51
Logan County
• Kirkmont Center – $4,488.00
Lorain County
• Lorain Metroparks – $16,687.20
Lucas County
• Toledo Power Squadron – $18,200.00
Mahoning County
• Youngstown State University – $16,506.50
Summit County
• Akron Sail & Power Squadron – $13,789.04
• Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio – $14,761.78
Ohio law requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to be able to show proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they are to operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 horsepower. While some recipients of this grant help provide approved education courses, many of the programs also focus on boating skills development and basic water safety.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is mandated by state law to provide boating safety education programs. The division accomplishes this mission by providing annual funding assistance to local communities and nonprofit organizations through a competitive grant program. Last year, 13 community organizations shared nearly $250,000.