COLUMBUS, OH – A total of $249,932.69 from the state’s Waterways Safety Fund is being provided to support 13 community boating safety education programs this year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Individual grant awards provided through the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft’s Boating Safety Education Grant program range from $5,225.37 to $27,923. The grants are funded by Ohio’s recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a share of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is mandated by state law to provide boating safety education programs. The division accomplishes this mission by providing annual funding assistance to local communities and nonprofit organizations through a competitive grant program.

Ten community organizations last year shared more than $240,000 provided by Ohio boaters and the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft to help fund community boating safety education programs.

Ohio law requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to be able to show proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they are to operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 horsepower. Many of the programs also focus on boating skills development and basic water safety.

A listing of the 2019 Boating Safety Education grant program awards can be found online at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov.

The 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:
Stephanie Leis, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860
Craig Watson, ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft
614-265-6674