LEMTA On the Water Ohio 2022

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Natural Escapes Dining Destinations Entertainment for All Ages

Sun Rays & Lake Days

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From Toledo to Conneaut, discover dozens of ways to engage with one of the state’s greatest treasures.

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On the Water Ohio 2022

KNOWING HOW

TO SWIM DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T DROWN

The dangers of open water are a threat for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. Keep what matters afloat by making life jackets a non-negotiable when you’re on the water.

To learn more about Ohio’s water rules and regulations, please visit OhioStateParks.gov

Living the Water Life WHEN IT COMES TO WATER, OHIO IS A

COVER: ISTOCK

SPECIAL PLACE . . .

. . . that’s why we’ve created On the Water Ohio — to be your go-to resource for information and inspiration when you take advantage of our greatest treasure, our Buckeye waterways.

Maybe you’d like standing up on the newest paddleboards or trimming your sails in the wind. Perhaps, you’d prefer the excitement of catching a big fish or relish the sounds of joy from kids pulled on a tube behind your boat. If it’s fun on the water, Ohio has it all.

From Lake Erie to the north to the mighty Ohio River in the south, our state is rich in rivers, lakes and more than 7,000 miles of shoreline. It’s no wonder Ohio ranks sixth in the nation in registered pleasure crafts that

take more than 3 million people out on the water every summer.

There are so many ways to make your life a water life. Just as love for all of Ohio’s waterway adventures keeps growing, so are we at On the Water Ohio. Our platform is intended to share knowledge and connect with programs and places on the water throughout the heartland. From nautical events to waterside restaurants, places to see and spots to fish, we plan to showcase much of what enjoying our waterways is all about and how to do it.

We’re happy you’re taking a moment to get to know us. And, as more and more content and contributions are added, we’re convinced you’ll become a regular On the Water Ohio fan.

MICHELLE BURKE President, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association

Sandusky, OH

When you dock at a Cedar Point Marina, you will be at one of the finest marinas on Lake Erie and be close to all of the fun and excitement at A Place Like No Other®.

• Two Platinum Passes — Unlimited season-long access to Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores, Kings Island and all Cedar Fair parks • Exclusive perks including Early Entry to Cedar Point plus discounts on food, merchandise and more

• Complimentary parking and Cedar Point peninsula shuttle service • Multiple restaurants, convenience store, security, air- conditioned restrooms and showers, pool and spa, cable TV and much more!

Visit cedarpoint.com/marinas, email marinainfo@cedarpoint.com, or call 419.627.2334 for details.

Amenities vary by location.

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company ® ©2022 Cedar Fair, L.P. CP22-075

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R A C I N G E M B

LAKE ERIE From Toledo to Conneaut and the Key West of the North, get a closer look at the many ways to get on the water this season.

BY RUTH CORRADI BEACH

4 On the Water Ohio 2022

Association (LEMTA), agrees. “Whether cruising the entire Lake Erie shoreline from Toledo to Conneaut or launching on any of the hundreds of first-class ramps in between, Ohio has it all — the opportunity to explore our incredible islands, dock at a world-class amusement park [Sandusky’s Cedar Point], pull into myriad waterfront restaurants, dock at state parks, enjoy big-city downtown marinas or just kick back and soak up small-town waterfront hospitality, boaters experience the beauty of it all.”

In fact, there are so many options for embracing Lake Erie and the rivers that are connected to it that it can be hard to wrap your arms around all of your options.

Here, organized by region, are a few highlights. Use them as a summer guide and find your own gems along the way.

LAURA WATILO BLAKE

A JOY OF LAKE ERIE IS THAT IT BELONGS TO ALL OF US. Nobody knows that better than boaters, whose time spent on the lake affords them a unique opportunity to experience so many gems that exist along the shoreline and beyond.

“Boating on Lake Erie, you are able to see things from a different perspective than you are able to do from land,” says Bob Armington, product manager at Buckeye Sports Center.

“There are several cool lighthouses, countless lake homes and developments that you can see from the lake but can’t see from a vehicle. It is almost like a vacation with new things that just happen to be so close to home.”

There are nearly as many ways to take advantage of our Great Lake as there are people who appreciate it. Norm Schultz, president emeritus of Lake Erie Marine Trades

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6 On the Water Ohio 2022

day fishing or leisurely enjoying the coastal town,” says Alivia McGookey, who owns the brewery with her husband, Michael McGookey, the brewmaster.

“Even for those visiting the Bait House Brewery for the first time, we hope you feel like a local.” she says. “[We’ve got] a casual, laid back, ‘shack by the sea’ environment. Our patio windows are fully open to the view of Lake Erie across the street, as well as our dog-friendly beer garden.”

The brewery also offers cocktails, a full selection of domestic beer and liquor and a recently added restaurant. No matter where you visit in Sandusky Bay, plan to stay for the sunset. Views on the bay are breathtaking.

At the mouth of the Portage River in Ottawa County, you’ll find Port Clinton. One of the town’s most iconic features is its lighthouse, whose history echoes the rise of the establishment of this stop as a popular tourist destination. Built in 1833, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1870 when water traffic decreased, then rebuilt 25 years later thanks to Port Clinton’s growing fishing

LUDWIG MILL: COURTESY METROPARKS TOLEDO / KAYAK: LAURA WATILO BLAKE / FISHING: LAURA WATILO BALKE

BETWEEN MAY AND OCTOBER, take a trip back in time to experience the Miami and Erie Canal in 1876. The Canal Experience takes place at Toledo’s Providence Metropark, part of the canal town that was once known as Providence, Ohio. You’ll see the Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat, along with a working water-powered mill, a mile of the original Miami and Erie Canal towpath and even folks in period attire to complete the immersive experience.

Side Cut, along the Maumee River, is the first Metropark, established nearly 100 years ago. It’s a favorite spot for anglers, since every spring around a half-million walleye make their annual run here.

This riverside park offers serene trails, and it’s also a great place to access the river and canal for a day on the water.

If a day on the Maumee River inspires you, explore the 15-mile water trail in Sandusky Bay. Access the trail at Big Island Preserve and Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point. In addition to taking in the wildlife and magnificent views, stop along the way for local fare at Dockside Cafe, an outdoor dining favorite accessible (as the name implies) by dock in addition to the more traditional means. It’s on the northern side of the Paper District Marina, offering a quick way to refresh before continuing on the water. Additional favorite refreshment spots include Crush Wine Bar and Bait House Brewery, which is an ideal spot after a day on the water.

“Everyone is welcome, whether you are out for a

and vacation industry. It operated until 1952 and was moved to its present site in 2016. Speaking of lighthouses, why not visit as many as you can along the way, urges Ken Alvey, LEMTA’S former president. “Be sure to check off your list all of the lighthouse from Toledo to Conneaut,” he says.

“Learn about the current lighthouses, as well as the historic or decommissioned lighthouses.”

An entire guide could be written about the Lake Erie Islands, which include Kelleys Island, Put-inBay, Middle Bass Island and North Bass Island, but even a brief overview shows all of the potential for fun and memorable visits.

Kelleys Island is a favorite of nature and bird lovers, as well as history buffs who go to see the limestone boulder carved with Native American petroglyphs. There’s plenty of hiking and fishing to be had, as well, and the charming downtown offers places to eat, shop and enjoy laid-back nightlife.

Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) offers more adventurous nightlife, with more than 1.5 million visitors every season. Rent a golf cart or bike to get around.

Middle Bass Island is beautiful, and a stop at the historic Lonz Winery gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of winemaking on the island and visit the five cellars and press house.

The winery is a centerpiece in Middle Bass Island State Park, which also features a wildlife refuge and camping spots.

North Bass Island is an adventurous boater’s dream, since it’s only accessible by watercraft (or plane, if you’ve got one!) — no ferry service.

“While [the other] islands all have excellent docking facilities and are, therefore, the most popular, a visit to ‘quiet’ North Bass Island can be an escape from it all,” says Schultz.

Nearly 700 acres of the island include North Bass Island State Park, most of which is maintained as a wildlife area. “It’s great for hiking, picnicking, biking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching and even primitive camping (special permit required),”

VERMILION TO LAKEWOOD

“

Whether cruising the entire Lake Erie shoreline from Toledo to Conneaut or launching on any of the hundreds of first-class ramps in between, Ohio has it all.”

NORM SCHULTZ

BOAT BASIN: LAURA WATILO BLAKE / ROCKY RIVER: THOM SHERIDAN

President Emeritus, LEMTA

says Schultz. “Boaters will find free, first-come, first-served public mooring balls located on the island’s south side, just west of a pier reserved for commercial supply boats only.”

Alvey has an insider tip for visitors to North Bass Island: “Check out the State Park Lake House for rent,” he says. The charming lodge-style, fourbedroom house sleeps 12 and includes an ATV guests can use during their stay.

Lakeside Marblehead is home to Lakeside Chautauqua, a community that’s part of the Chautauqua movement to provide families with learning, fellowship and entertainment.

It’s a place that some families have enjoyed for generations and that others discover for the first time on any given day.

A visit to historic Marblehead must include a stop at the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continually operating lighthouse on Lake Erie. If you’re arriving by boat or just want to enjoy the water while you’re there, the Mazurik Access Area offers more than 15 acres and includes a concrete boat ramp, protected boat bay/safe harbor and fishing pier.

Round out the visit to this region with a stop in Huron, and schedule it at a time that coincides with a program at the Huron Boat Basin & Amphitheater that interests you. There are a ton of activities to choose from all summer long, including live music on Saturdays, as well as art and movies on many Sundays and Wednesdays, respectively. All of these events are free.

BEGIN A TRIP to this region with a stop in Vermilion, a city that straddles Erie and Lorain counties. The quaint downtown is a jewel of the area, and boaters can take advantage of the marina located there. Be sure to visit Main Street Beach, a public swimming beach that’s right downtown. Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard from West River Paddling Co. For those feeling more adventurous, rent a jet ski at Vermilion Jet Ski. “There are so many inlets and rivers that are ideal for jet skis,” Armington says. “There are so many places to use them on Lake Erie. In fact, many people put their skis in the water at Catawba and have a fairly quick ride over to the Lake Erie Islands, which is very doable if you are up for an adventure.”

Lorain County’s Avon Lake offers a plethora of things to do, especially for boaters and anglers. A paved and accessible trail runs along the lake, allowing a simple terrain that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. The long fishing pier lets people walk out “onto” the lake. The boat launch is a perfect place for setting out on a kayak for an afternoon adventure. “You don’t need a yacht or a big, expensive boat to take advantage of the waterways and Lake Erie Islands,” Armington says.

A day at the beach is a must when you’re in Bay Village. Huntington Beach is home to more than 100 acres of lakefront beach, with trails and swimming, as well as picnic areas. A little further down from the swimming area is a paddling access area, with a beachside dropoff and paddling along gorgeous rocky cliffs. Both are part of Huntington Reservation, a part of Cleveland Metroparks. Within the reservation are the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, a great place for kids to find out more about local animals and see many of them up close, and BAYarts, a gallery/store/educational arts center.

Rocky River is both a city and a river.

The Rocky River Reservation runs through Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township and Rocky River. The river has a national reputation for steelhead fishing, and the Cleveland Metroparks property also boasts three golf courses. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from 41° North Coastal Kayak Adventures and

experience traveling past homes and marinas on your way into Lake Erie. End the day with dinner at the Emerald Necklace Marina.

If it’s the city of Rocky River that interests you, there are all sorts of things to do, including beautiful and casual outdoor dining on Linda Street, where Wine Bar, Tommy’s Place and Market all beckon. John Owen, owner of all three venues, explains that the Wine Bar and Tommy’s Place have a combined liquor license.

“You can grab a glass of wine at Wine Bar and then go to Tommy’s for a beer, like a little compound,” he says.

Rocky River meets Lake Erie

Market’s got American-style food, Wine Bar features more small plates and a slightly higherend menu, and Tommy’s is perfect for a burger or chicken sandwich. The restaurants’ proximity to the Cleveland Yachting Club (CYC) means that people spending time on Lake Erie will find a kinship on Linda Street.

“We get a ton of boaters,” says Owen. “They’ll come up after being at the yacht club and sit outside, have a nice bottle of wine at Wine Bar, then head to Tommy’s for a couple of beers and live music. We cater to all demographics. You can come in flip-flops or a suit.”

Conclude your tour of this region in Lakewood. Don’t miss the chance to watch the sun set over Lake Erie from Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps. This impressive structure consists of multiple levels of stone steps that curve along the shoreline. Its name is in reference to the fact that the steps are oriented toward the point on the horizon where, on the Summer Solstice, the setting sun reaches its northernmost point.

You’ll understand why Alvey says, “There are no better sunsets than those on Lake Erie!” lakeerieliving.com 7 77 onthewaterohio.com

DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND TO MENTOR-ON-THE-LAKE

LAURA WATILO BLAKE

NO TRIP TO DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND would be complete without a stop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. You’ll see everything from a turntable used by a member of Public Enemy to astronaut John Glenn’s space module. Visit East 4th Street, where you’ll find more than a dozen restaurants, including Michael Symon’s Mabel’s BBQ and Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, which hosts national comedy tours. If you’re visiting downtown by boat, be sure to check out the scenery as you’re coming and going.

“As you are passing through Downtown Cleveland [by boat], you see it from a different angle and it looks like a completely different place,” says Armington.

Residents of quaint Mentor-on-the-Lake have enjoyed Biggies Custard for generations. After one stop at this ice cream and custard place (featuring more than 30 flavors of custard), you’ll know why it’s been around since the 1950s. Grab a cone and stroll north on Andrews Street to

Catawba Island Marina is a full-service marina, located in the Western Basin with direct access to Lake Erie.

It has heated and cold winter storage, a 150-boat rack facility and a 70-ton marine travel lift. We are a full-service facility that offers mechanical, paint, air conditioning, gel coat or fiberglass repair with factory-trained technicians to provide the professional care your boat deserves.

4422 Barnum Road Port Clinton, OH 43452 p: 419-797-4424 | f: 419-797-6846

8 On the Water Ohio 2022

surprise, then, that there’s a lighthouse museum to visit and a dramatic breakwall for strolling.

“There’s no question Lake Erie is the ‘Walleye Capital of the World,’” says Schultz. “But it also boasts great sportfishing for all ages catching smallmouth bass, yellow perch, steelhead trout and more.”

Stop by Steve’s Bait for a license, bait and tackle, and then charter a fishing boat at Eye Gotcha Charters.

If you’re kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding, Grand River Landing offers free small-boat access in this 18-acre park, part of Lake Metroparks system.

Fairport Harbor

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is available online at lemta.com

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LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Mentor Beach Park Pavilion to watch the boats coming and going from nearby Mentor Harbor Yachting Club.

Mentor is also home to Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina. The 450-acre preserve includes coastal dunes and more than 3 miles of wellmarked nature trails. The area is popular with bird watchers, with more than 150 species recorded.

The marina is a great spot to rent a kayak or set out on a canoe, sailboat or paddle craft.

Mentor, like many of the other points listed in this piece, is a great place to charter a fishing boat.

“There’s a large fleet of charter boats available in every major port,” Schultz notes. “Your charter captain will supply all of the rods, bait and tackle you’ll need, but you must bring a valid Ohio fishing license (one-day licenses are available), lunch and beverages (no glass bottles), a hat and sunscreen. Don’t forget a cooler to take home all of those fresh fish fillets from your catch.”

As the name implies, Fairport Harbor is a harbor town (technically a village), where the lake meets the Grand River. It’s an active U.S. commercial port with several million tons of material shipped and received annually. No

HOURS: Mon.–Fri. 10am–6pm 2830 East Harbor ·Road Sat. 10am–5pm Closed Sunday Port Clinton, OH· 43452 419-734-5888 catawbainteriors.com

On the Water Ohio 2022

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GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE TO CONNEAUT Another Geneva-on-the-Lake winery, Old Firehouse Winery, is right on the main strip, which is also home to Cove Nightclub (21 and older), known for live music, and Sandy Shanty, offering casual seafood. While visiting Geneva-onthe-Lake do not miss Lake Erie Canopy Tours for a chance to experience the lake from a once-in-alifetime vantage point. This aerial adventure park boasts a ropes course, sky bridges, 60-foot towers and unbelievable zipline canopy tours.

Ashtabula has the honor of being named in a classic Bob Dylan song (“You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go”). As Ohio’s covered bridge capital, the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Trail includes 19 covered bridges, including the 613-foot-long Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge, the longest in the U.S. Get a mobile-exclusive passport (not an app) and check-in via GPS at each location to work your way to an Ashtabula County-themed prize.

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10 On the Water Ohio 2022

LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Cruising the strip in downtown Geneva-on-the-Lake

GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE is a great example of a town that knows how to enjoy its lake. Fishing, camping, eating, playing — it’s all centered around the shore. There are several bed and breakfast options, including the Lakehouse Inn and Winery, with a winery on premises. Speaking of wineries, there are more than a dozen within a brief drive of the charming downtown. Harpersfield Winery is one of only a few estate wineries in Ohio.

“Estate wines are wines produced only from grapes grown and harvested at the winery,” explains Patty Ribic, owner of Harpersfield Winery. “We are an estate winery, and it’s one of the things we are proud of. It gives the winemaker the ability to control all aspects of wine production, giving those enjoying the wine a sense of place. Made local at its finest, there is nothing like relaxing in a vineyard setting and knowing what’s in your glass.”

Indeed, the expansive patio, vineyard views and local music offer a great way to unwind after time on the water.

LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Conneaut Township Park Beach

for the finding. Head to a public spot, such as Walnut Beach Park, and turn your back to the sun so you can see the glints of these jewel-like pieces of sand-tumbled glass. Your best bet is to go after a storm when the water’s been churned up and to look along wet edges of the coast so the glass glints brightly. The findings in Ashtabula are so good that there’s even a Beach Glass Festival the last weekend in June at Historic Ashtabula Harbor.

Our trip along the Lake Erie coast winds up at Conneaut, which also boasts Conneaut Creek.

Dock your boat at Conneaut’s Marina, where

standard and wide docks for boats up to 30 feet long are available seasonally or on a transient or overnight basis. There’s a boat ramp, too, which can also be accessed seasonally. Rent a kayak from Conneaut Creek Float and Fly Shop or get some fly-fishing equipment for a day of fun. Since our tour is almost over, if you still haven’t tried your hand at fishing at this point, don’t miss out; charter a fishing boat.

“The great thing about charter fishing is that the captain and crew do almost all of the work, so no experience or expertise is necessary,” assures

Armington. “They will even bait the hook for you — all you have do to is reel them in.”

Before you head out, Armington has a few tips to share. “Prepare for colder than expected conditions. On the lake, with the wind and moisture, it’s several degrees cooler than being inland. Always bring a rain jacket (even if no rain is in the forecast, you can get some unexpected spray). Also, be sure to bring closed-toed boat shoes — ideally not sandals. Make sure shoes have a light colored (not black) sole so that the boat doesn't get marked up.”

For an on-land adventure in Conneaut, try an outing on the sandbar, where visitors need to drive 4-wheel or all-wheel vehicles, as towing is at the owner’s expense.

Conneaut Harbor is an ideal place for taking in the beauty of Lake Erie and northern Ohio in general. It’s an area beloved by birders, who have reported rarities including brown and American white pelicans and purple sandpipers. Spend some time on the wildlife watching tower, which overlooks the marsh and Lake Erie. It’s the ideal spot to admire the lake and reflect on everything it has to offer.

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Know Before You Go

Buckeye families enjoy Ohio's abundant lakes, rivers and waterways every year. All boaters should know the basic navigation rules, applicable laws (federal, state and local) and some basic safety requirements to keep waterways safe. While far from allencompassing, this guide is intended to be a helpful start.

Understanding Speed Zones

Navigation aids are your highway signs while on the water. These aids can be buoys and/or fixed signs. Navigation aids mark safe channels, warn of hazards and control traffic. Safe channel markers are always red or green, while regulatory and informational markers are usually white with orange markings. They can indicate No Wake, Idle Speed, Speed Limit, Ski Zone, Open Zone and more. Here are four common symbols used to provide more specific information: Danger: A diamond alerts boaters to hazards like shoals, rocks and wrecks.

Restricted: A circle indicates areas where vessel operations are regulated.

Exclusion: A diamond with a cross indicates areas where boats are prohibited.

Yes, there are speed zones on our waterways.

Here are two important distinctions: Idle Speed — No Wake: This means you must use the lowest speed at which you can still control and steer your boat.

Slow Speed — Minimum Wake: Boat can operate at a speed up to the point that the bow begins to rise. If that starts to happen, reduce your throttle.

You are liable for your wake. Virtually every powered boat produces a wake. The skipper is legally liable for any damages that wake may cause. Ohio law specifically says, "No person shall operate a powered craft within a Shore Zone, Danger Zone or any areas marked as a No Wake Zone at a speed that produces a wake.

Gas Dock: A square indicates a dock that has fueling services.

Recognizing Navigation Channel Buoys

Safe channel designation is accomplished using green and red floating buoys or stationary markers. These numbered buoys help guide boaters around hazards and indicate the best route to follow.

LIGHTED BUOY

LIGHTED BUOY

LIGHTED BUOY

LIGHTED BUOY

NUN BUOY

CAN BUOY

LIGHT

LIGHT

CAN BUOY

NUN BUOY

12 Lake Erie Water Living July/August 2022 12 On the Ohio 2022

DAY BEACON

DAY BEACON

DAY BEACON

DAY BEACON

Remember the expression “red right returning.”

It means that when heading in from the open waters of a lake or when traveling upstream on a river, always keep the red markers or buoys on your right (starboard) and the green markers on your left (port).

When heading out to open waters or going downstream on a river. you should always keep the green buoys or markers on your right (starboard) and the red markers or buoys on your left (port).

Red markers always contain even numbers and increase as you move away from open waters or are heading upstream on a river. Conversely, the green buoys or markers always contain odd numbers and increase as you move toward open waters or are heading downstream.

The numbers will always confirm your direction and decrease as you head toward the open water and/or downstream. The numbers increase as you head away from open waters and/or upstream.

Minimum Safety Equipment

Safety equipment needs are based on several factors: boat (type, propulsion method & length), on the water activity and the age of the boaters required to wear a life jacket. Local rules or ordinances also exist, which may be more strict or require additional equipment. As a boater, it's your responsibility to know any local requirements on the waterways you plan to use.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Every vessel, including canoes, kayaks and personal watercrafts, must have one wearable PFD for each person aboard.

If the vessel is more than 16 feet long, it must also have a throwable device. Each PFD shall be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition, and of the appropriate size for the wearer. All PFDs must be readily accessible to each person on board.

Children In Ohio, every child under age 10 who is aboard any vessel under 18 feet long must wear an appropriate-size U.S. Coast Guard approved, securely attached PFD. Anchor Requirement All watercrafts shall carry an anchor and line of sufficient weight and length to anchor the vessel securely. Vessels exempt from this requirement include canoes, kayaks, boats less than 14 feet in length and sailboats less than 21 feet in length.

Fire Extinguishers • Requirements are determined by boat length.

• All powerboats under 26 feet long must carry one B-1 fire extinguisher.

• Powerboats 26 feet long but less than 40 feet must carry two B-1 fire extinguishers or one equivalent B-2.

• Powerboats between 40 and 65 feet long must carry at least three B-1 fire extinguishers or one B-1 and one B-2 fire extinguisher.

• Powerboats exempt from this requirement are those propelled by electric motors.

• All extinguishers must meet U.S. Coast Guard standards, be able to extinguish a gasoline fire and be readily accessible.

ISTOCK

Knowing Navigation Aids & Symbols

CONTACT US TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR Encountering Other Vessels There are three basic situations to remember when encountering another boat. Always maintain a speed that allows you to steer your boat safely.

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Head-On Situation

Crossing Situation Vessel approaching from right has right of way, maintains course and speed.

Vessel must yield by slowing or altering course to avoid a collision.

Overtaking Situation

Any vessel overtaking another shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

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J-JSALES.COM onthewaterohio.com 13

Know Your Surroundings

Education Requirements

• Paddlers: Kayaks and paddleboards are very popular, so all boaters must always watch out for and yield to these nonmotorized vessels.

• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating course (nasbla.org)

Boating in Ohio comes in many forms, from paddleboards to motor yachts.

Every skipper underway must always pay attention to their surroundings.

Ohio requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to complete either of the following courses to operate a powerboat with more than 10 horsepower:

• Swimmers: Look out for swimmers. Boating near any beaches, sandbars and the like always requires an extra measure of caution.

Weather forecast Sufficient fuel/oil

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft approved proficiency exam (ohiodnr.gov/discoverand-learn/education-training/boatereducation-skills)

Safety gear

*Information courtesy of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Boating Association of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Boaters Education Card

Boat plug-in Tools/spares Fishing license (if applicable) Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses

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First aid kit

ISTOCK

• Scuba divers and snorklers: Scuba diving and snorkeling has become more common in recent years, especially on Lake Erie.

Always watch for a dive flag (red with white diagonal line) and keep a safe distance away.

Before You Go Checklist

W HAT P E E K

MATTERS AFLOAT `v

Ensure the safety of all who enjoy Ohio’s waterways by wearing a life jacket and getting proper boating education from Ohio State Parks and Watercraft.

To learn more about Ohio’s water rules and regulations, please visit OhioStateParks.gov

AN EXPERIENCE FOR EVERY SEASON. JOIN US AT OUR 2023 PROGRESSIVE BOAT SHOWS AND DISCOVER HOW YOU WILL GET ON THE WATER!

How do you get on the water?

Visit us at onthewaterohio.org & lemta.com