COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio’s canoe instructor course is only the third paddling skills curriculum in the nation to earn the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ Verified Course mark. Developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the curriculum will be used to train and certify natural resources officers, naturalists, local boating education partners and others in paddling instruction.

“We are proud that Ohio is a national leader in paddling education and developing professional train-the-trainer courses,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “These courses will allow ODNR staff and our local boating education partners to offer nationally recognized and effective paddling instruction.”

The course was reviewed by a third-party assessment panel which confirmed that the content conforms to the American National Standards for on-the-water skills. The course standards identify fundamental skills that entry level recreational canoers should be able to demonstrate after receiving instruction.

Later this year, two more instructor course curriculums—standup paddleboard and kayak—will be reviewed for national verification. For more information about boating safety and education, please visit watercraft.ohiodnr.gov.

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft administers Ohio’s boating programs. The funding to support boating safety, education and law enforcement comes from the state’s Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, as well as funds provided by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education and conservation of Ohio’s 75 state parks and waterways.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov

For more information, contact:

Sarah Wickham, ODNR Office of Communications

614-265-6860

Craig Watson, ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft

614-265-6674