The Coast Guard is out with its annual maritime safety warnings as the boating season kicks off in Ohio.
The Coast Guard’s Great Lakes district based in Cleveland says nearly 85 percent of boater drowning victims involve those not wearing a life jacket.
In Ohio, there were 11 boating accident fatalities last year, down from 14 in 2011. The Coast Guard says a life jacket, proper training for the operator and sober boating all create a safer environment on the water.
According to the Coast Guard, nearly 90 percent of recreational boating deaths last year involved boats whose operator never received safety training.
The Ohio Division of Watercraft says there are nearly a half-million boats registered in the state.
article courtesy of Wkyc.com
