ODNR Supports Safety on Ohio's Waterways with Marine Patrol Assistance Grants

Funds support local marine law enforcement programs

Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Twenty-four Ohio communities will receive a total of $565,085.52 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to support local marine patrol units. Provided by the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, these assistance funds represent a continuing effort to keep Ohio waterways safe and enhance recreational boating experiences.

“These grants provide us with a great opportunity to reinvest boater dollars in Ohio communities,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “Safety is a top priority, and we want to help ensure that our boaters stay safe while boating on Ohio’s waterways.”

The 2018 Marine Patrol Assistance Grants will help local law enforcement agencies provide emergency response to boating-related incidents, conduct routine waterway patrols and purchase safety equipment for use on marine patrol vessels. The recipient agencies are located in counties statewide, including Ohio’s more populated counties such as Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton and Montgomery, as well as smaller communities located in Erie, Pickaway and Scioto counties.

In 2017, Ohio had a record 542,602 registered recreational watercraft, a growth of almost 82,000 in three years. Over the last decade, there has been a 192 percent increase in kayak and canoe registrations (including liveries). Overall, Ohio currently ranks eighth in the nation in state recreational boat registrations.

As the number of visitors to Ohio’s lakes and rivers increases, Marine Patrol Assistance Grants are vital to ensuring the safety of Ohio’s boaters. Boating-related fatalities on Ohio waterways have declined by 9 percent since 2006. Additional boating information and a list of Marine Patrol Assistance Grant recipients is available online at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov.

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft administers Ohio’s boating and scenic rivers programs. The funding to support local marine patrol units 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, protection and conservation of Ohio’s state parks and waterways.

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