Safety on the water starts with life vest

essential equipment.

Make a float plan. Let family and friends know where you’re going and when you will return.

Use an engine cutoff device. This is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during your excursion.

Know what’s going on around you. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents in 2016 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Familiarize yourself with local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.

Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. If there is booze on board, make sure to have a non-drinking designated driver.

Keep in touch. Cell phones, satellite phones, EPIRB or personal locater beacon, and VHF radios can all be important in an emergency.

A new boat ramp has opened on the southeast side of Grand Lake St. Marys. The Little Chickasaw Boat Ramp, located at 5243 Mercer-Auglaize County Line Road, opened June 12 to provide public access to the lake for fishermen and recreational boaters. It was paid for by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, using money from federal sources. No state money was used on the $763,000 project. The new launch site includes a two-lane concrete boat ramp with fixed 8-foot-wide courtesy/launch docks and 45 parking spaces.

Ramped: