Life Jacket Loaners A Hit With Ohio Boaters

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft says response to its Wear It Ohio! life jacket safety campaign is strong and Ohio boaters continue to sign up at special events being held at four Ohio state parks to participate in a life jacket loaner program that began in May.

"We have loaned almost two-thirds of our available inflatable life jackets during special events the past three weekends at Portage Lakes, Buckeye Lake, Buck Creek and Caesar Creek Lake state parks," said Pamela Dillon, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "The response has been strong since our program began its second season last month during the Memorial Day weekend."

With the increased demand to participate in the life jacket loaner program, the Division of Watercraft is hoping to work with several boating partners to acquire additional life jackets to continue support of the program through mid-July. Since the life jacket loaner program began in 2008 as part of its Wear It Ohio! campaign to increase life jacket wear among Ohio boaters, the Division of Watercraft has loaned, free of charge, over 600 new inflatable life jackets and vests to Ohio boaters.

"We believe the program is saving boaters' lives in Ohio by increasing awareness of the importance of wearing a life jacket while boating," said ODNR Director Sean Logan. The director, along with other ODNR administrators, this week took the Wear It Ohio! pledge and received, on loan, a new inflatable life jacket.

Ohio boaters age 18 and older with a valid form of identification may qualify to receive on loan this boating season, at no charge, a new inflatable life vest by agreeing to take and sign the Wear It Ohio! pledge that directs boaters to:

*"Wear It!" while boating and fishing.
*Know how it works and keep it in good condition.
*Encourage others to wear a life jacket while boating and fishing.
*Tell other boaters about new life jacket styles.
*Boat safely and responsibly at all times.
*Return the life jacket by October 31, 2009, to the Division of Watercraft.

A listing of times and locations of Wear It Ohio! campaign promotional events where the life jacket loaner program is made available can be found online at www.ohiodnr.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Contact:
Rob Lucas, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6435

John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6695

Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860