Lake Metroparks awarded grant for boating safety

ODNR grant will increase safety, say state reps. say

State Reps. John M. Rogers, D-Mentor-On-TheLake, and Jamie Callender, R-Concord Township, recently announced that Lake Metroparks has been awarded a grant totaling $10,843.51 for boating safety education from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Parks and Watercrafts.

“Lake Metroparks helps Lake County residents by providing residents with greater opportunities to connect with the outdoors,” Rogers said. “As an avid boater myself, safety is an integral component to enjoying every day on the water, be it with friends or family.”

Meanwhile, Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury Township is receiving just shy of $7,000.

“Camp Ho Mita Koda is a valuable part of our community and I am very grateful for the funding provided by the Boating Safety Education Grant,” state Rep. Diane Grendell, R-Chester Township, said in a statement.

According to a news release, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is required by state law to provide boating safety education programming, and does so by funding groups at the local level.

These grants are funded through the Waterways Safety fund by a combination of state motor fuel tax, watercraft title and registration fees and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Many constituents throughout Lake County are involved in recreational interests,” Callender said.

“I am thankful to ODNR in providing Lake County with the Boating Safety Education Grant for Lake Metroparks, which will further improve our parks and recreational activities within the region.”

State Sen. John Eklund, R-Munson Township, also applauded the funding for continued boating safety education.

“Education is key to preventing boating accidents and keeping Ohioans safe on our waterways,” he said. “I appreciate our local parks’ commitment to safe and fun experiences while Ohioans enjoy all they have to offer.”

With over 100 paddling programs alone, for recreationalists ranging from age 4 to age 90, funds to facilitate various water programs remain critical, said Seth Begeman, chief of outdoor education with Lake Metroparks.

“We utilize this grant for many things, including a combination of proper equipment and staff training,” Begeman added. “It all really helps us, too, because, in one instance, we’re enhancing our sailing program by replacing 12-foot sailboats, and transporting them back and forth from the beach to the water. Mainly, all we do in regard to water safety is mandated, and that’s why we’re grateful to ODNR for their support.”

Under Ohio law, any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, has to submit proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they are to operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 horsepower, the release stated.

“Essentially, it all comes down to help us educate the public,” Begeman said. “Everything about this grant makes everything we do safer, and we can do a lot of good stuff to make the programs and the boating environment better.”

For more information about ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft grant programs, visit watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/ grants.

SUBMITTED Lake Metroparks has recently been awarded a grant totaling $10,843.51for boating safety education from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Parks and Watercrafts.