Butler County Sheriff's Office

[Public Info Officer]

SHERIFF REMINDS BOATERS OF “SAFE BOATING WEEK”—
May 19 thru May 25, 2007

Safe Boating Week began Saturday, May 19 and runs thru Friday, May 25 this year. Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones would like to take this opportunity to remind boaters to operate safely while on the water.

Before going to the lake or river, for the first time this season, be sure to check your boat, motor, and required equipment. Winter months can be hard on a boat and equipment and being out on the water is not the place to discover a problem. “Our main equipment emphasis will be on life jacket usage”, says Sheriff Jones, “it can’t help you if its stowed in a compartment and you fall overboard”. “Its like a seat belt – it won’t do you any good, unless you use it”.

The Sheriff’s Marine Patrol will start their regular weekend and holiday patrols on Memorial Day weekend. The waterway enforcement (and assistance) is funded by a grant from the Ohio Division of Watercraft. Deputies will be on the water to provide courtesy inspections and check for proper boat registrations. Safety equipment will also be checked. Some mandatory equipment for power boats (irregardless of length) include:

• Registration and Numbers Properly Displayed
• Personal Floatation Devices
• Fire Extinguisher
• Visual Distress Signal
• Anchor and Line
• Running and Anchor Lights (PWC’s are prohibited from operating between sunset and sunrise)
• Engine Cutoff Switch and Lanyard
• Muffler or Underwater Exhaust

On the Great Miami River, boaters should especially be aware of the dangers presented by Low Head Dams. Each year deputies take boating accident reports were watercraft have went over a low head dam. Remember they are difficult to see from upstream, even though warning signs are in place. SURVEY YOUR BOATING AREA BEFORE STARTING YOUR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY! ACCIDENTS ARE PREVENTABLE…

Remember to be safe and enjoy the 2007 Boating Season.

Release by: Specialist M. Grimes