Free boat safety
inspections offered
In observance of National Safe Boating Week, and to mark the traditional start of the summer boating season Memorial Day weekend, free safety inspections are to take place May 18-20 and May 25-27.
Watercraft officers provide written courtesy inspections that allow boat owners to make recommended improvements to their boating safety equipment. These free inspections typically examine the condition of fire extinguishers, navigational lights, horns and distress signals to ensure they are in working order.
Officers also check to make sure the proper type, size and number of life jackets and personal flotation devices are aboard each boat as required by law to ensure the safety of boat occupants.
Information on safety inspections,safety equipment, education programs, boating rules and public launch ramps is available by calling (866) 4BOATER.
Power boat skills courses coming
Two new classes are being offered this summer through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.
The first class is a newly developed power boating basics course, providing novice and inexperienced boaters with the basic skills needed to properly and safely operate a power boat. The eight-hour, interactive skills course is open to the public and will be offered through September at multiple locations statewide.
The second class is a close quarters boat handling course, which is designed to teach boat operators how to effectively and safely operate powerboats in close-quarter environments such as around docking piers and marinas.
Class size for courses is limited and the cost is $47 each. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license and be able to show proof they have completed a boater safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
For more information, visit www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft.
Bird center
reopens to public
OAK HARBOR - The Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area has been reopened, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. The facility had been closed to the public since March due to a water leak on the second floor.
Water had covered 20 percent of the second floor and damaged restrooms and the aquarium room on the first floor. None of the displays were damaged, and professional engineers have examined and repaired the building.
The center features displays of more than 300 mounted animal specimens, a children's touch table and an activity center with aquariums and terrariums filled with native wildlife.
The facility is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays in April and May.
- Compiled by Vicki Johnson, A-T Staff Writer
