Ohio warns drowning causes 75% boating fatalities

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources used National Safe Boating Week to put a hard number on a familiar summer risk: drowning accounts for nearly 75% of recreational boating fatalities, according to U.S. Coast Guard statistics cited by the agency. ODNR’s message, issued May 19 and repeated in local coverage a day later, was simple — wear a life jacket, make a plan and check equipment before the first busy holiday weekend of the season. Memorial Day weekend is driving the timing. National Safe Boating Week runs May 16-22, just ahead of heavier traffic on lakes, rivers and coastal waterways, and safety agencies in several states are using the same window to push boaters and swimmers toward basic precautions. ### Where did the 75% figure come from? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said the figure comes from U.S. (ohiodnr.gov) Coast Guard recreational boating statistics. In its May 19 release, ODNR said drowning causes nearly three-quarters of recreational boating fatalities and quoted Glen Cobb, chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, saying, “A life jacket, a plan, and a little awareness go a long way.” (safeboatingcouncil.org) Spectrum News 1’s May 20 report matched the state’s guidance and said ODNR was telling boaters to inspect life jackets before the first launch of the year. The agency also told boaters to stay alert and plan ahead before going out. ### What are other states telling people before Memorial Day? Oregon’s Marine Board used the same pre-holiday stretch to emphasize life-jacket use. (ohiodnr.gov) Oregon officials launched “Fit to Float” events this month for youth and families and said the program was meant to make boating safety “simple and approachable” as more paddlers and boaters return to the water in May. In Texas, KRIS 6 reported on May 21 that boating safety experts shared five top tips ahead of Memorial Day crowds, including wearing life jackets and avoiding alcohol on the water. (spectrumnews1.com) The station said the advice was aimed at heavier holiday traffic around Corpus Christi-area waterways. ### Why are officials focusing so much on life jackets? (oregon.gov) Oregon officials said the “vast majority” of boating fatalities involve people not wearing life jackets, according to a May 16 report on a new state education program. Ohio’s guidance makes the same point more indirectly by tying most boating deaths to drowning. The National Safe Boating Council also used this year’s campaign to tell boaters to review “essential boating safety skills” before the summer season and Memorial Day weekend. (kristv.com) Its May 10 statement highlighted life jackets as a central part of that message. ### How does the warning extend beyond boats? The Chesapeake Health Department marked Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, May 18-24, by warning that drowning “happens fast and quietly” and remains a leading cause of death for young children. (kptv.com) The Virginia agency urged families to assign a “Water Watcher,” learn CPR, use layers of protection such as fences and alarms, and keep close supervision around any water. (safeboatingcouncil.org) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Healthy and Safe Swimming Week this year runs from May 18 through May 24. The campaign covers disease prevention, drowning prevention and pool chemical safety as public pools and family swim settings become busier heading into summer. ### What should people watch for over the next few days? May 24 marks the end of Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, while National Safe Boating Week ends May 22. (vdh.virginia.gov) Ohio boaters can find state guidance through ODNR, Oregon paddlers through the Marine Board, and Virginia families through swimhealthyva.com and Chesapeake Health Department materials as Memorial Day crowds build. (ohiodnr.gov) (cdc.gov)