Safe Boating Grant To Help Fund Safe Boating Class
Students in the safe boating class learn how to upright a sailboat in a safe environment.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft recently announced that a local safe boating class has been awarded a grant of $2155.37 as part of the Boating Safety Education Grant Program. The funds will be used to provide a boating safety education program this summer for sixth through eighth-grade students. The Division of Watercraft is awarding $364,689.27 to political subdivisions and non-profit organizations for boating education programs. The Cuyahoga Safe Boating Class is one of 34 organizations across the state to receive funding.
The nationally recognized program, known as Spirit of America (SOA), provides students both classroom and on-the-water sessions to teach safe boating skills. Participants will take the Ohio Boating Education Course on two Saturdays in May. This meets the Ohio law that requires "any person born on or after January 1, 1982, to show proof they have completed an approved boating course if they are operating a power boat over 10 horsepower.“ This OBEC class is mandatory and students must attend both days and pass an exam.
The on-the-water sessions involve a pool session to help students understand the importance of wearing life jackets and to learn how to upright overturned sailboats, kayaks and canoes in a safe environment. The remainder of the on-the water sessions will be held at Whiskey Island Marina where students will be receive hands-on instruction in power boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, personal watercraft, paddleboards and a large boat experience.
The Bay Village Schools have been associated with the program for 15 years and are the fiscal organization for the grant. The program is open to registered students who live in Cuyahoga County. Registration will be held in March and April and the classroom sessions are from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, May 9 and May 16. The on-the-water sessions at Whiskey Island Marina will be held from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on June 15, 22 and 29th. There is a $20 fee. For additional information and a brochure go to www.spiritofamerica95.org and look at the Cuyahoga County location or email Cuyahoga@spiritofamerica95.org.
George Christ
I am coordinator of a the 6 -8th grade boating education program open to students in western Cuyahoga County Ohio. I am a contributor to the Bay Westlake Observer and also send in stories about boating safety.