With the Fourth of July weekend approaching and boating activity surging across Ohio’s lakes and rivers, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is reminding everyone that safety, education, and sobriety are essential when heading out on the water.
Andy Foos, Boating Education Coordinator for ODNR, emphasized the importance of wearing life jackets, operating responsibly and following Ohio’s boating laws—especially as law enforcement increases patrols under Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign targeting impaired boating.
“Anytime anybody’s on the water, we always encourage them to wear their life jackets,” Foos told the Mount Vernon News. “Statistically speaking, life jackets do save lives. There are many different styles and models to accommodate various temperatures. Even in hot weather, inflatable life jackets aren’t restricting, but if you end up in the water, you do have it on.”
As holiday boating activity ramps up, enforcement efforts intensify to keep watercraft operators safe and sober.
Operating a vessel while impaired is a criminal offense, with legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limits of 0.08 for adults and 0.02 for those under 21. Penalties range from a minimum three-day jail sentence and $150 fine for a first offense, up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for repeat violations.
“Going into Fourth of July weekend, we have a nationwide program called Operation Dry Water, focusing on alcohol and boating and getting impaired operators off the water,” Foos said. “It’s a nationwide blitz that all states participate in to deter people from operating under the influence.”
Multiple agencies coordinate patrols during this effort.
“Some counties and communities have local law enforcement on the water, but the majority of the state is covered by ODNR’s Natural Resource Officers,” Foos explained.
ODNR is also reminding boaters of important laws as the season picks up.
• Boating Education Requirement: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, must complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety course or pass a proficiency exam before operating vessels over 10 horsepower.
“We offer in-person courses, and our website lists seven approved online providers in Ohio,” Foos said. “Online courses usually take three to four hours. You don’t have to complete it all at once—you can pause and return later, and you’ll immediately find out if you’ve passed.”
ODNR recommends online courses for last-minute boaters rushing to get certified.
“Especially going into holiday weekend, we see many people panicking about getting boater education, so online can be the best option when you’re in a hurry,” Foos said.
Boating certification is separate from a driver’s license.
“If you’re stopped on the water, officers can verify your certification through our dispatch center,” Foos said. “Everything is catalogued, so even if you forget your card, they can confirm your status.”
This requirement also applies to rentals, in which operators must either meet the standards or pass an abbreviated exam with at least a 90% score.
• Night Operation and Lighting: All motorized boats must display proper navigation lights after sunset — red and green sidelights plus an all-around white light. Kayaks and canoes must carry at least a white lantern or flashlight.
“The timing starts at sunset — usually about 30 minutes before dark — when the lights must be turned on,” Foos said.
Boaters must also slow down after dark.
“On all our inland lakes, speed limits take effect after sunset, requiring boats to reduce speed to local limits, which is 10 miles per hour on State Park Lakes,” he said.
• Restricted Areas and Wake Zones: Boaters should respect no-wake zones, typically 300 feet from shorelines in most state park lakes.
“Ultimately, you’re responsible for the wake your boat creates,” Foos said. “If your wake causes someone to fall and get hurt, you are liable.”
• Swimming Rules: Swimming is allowed only in designated areas at state parks.
“We often see people swimming in non-designated areas,” Foos said. “At our parks, swimming is only permitted in designated spots, either a boat swim area or a designated beach.”
Safety precautions extend beyond boating to include designated swimming areas for added protection.
“One reason for designated swimming areas is that if you get into trouble, there are usually others nearby to help before you end up drowning,” Foos said.
In addition to education and enforcement, ODNR emphasizes boating etiquette and responsibility.
For assistance, ODNR watercraft offices like that at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware and the ODNR Headquarters in Columbus are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and offer Hull Identification Number inspections by appointment.
