Ohio Boating and Watercraft

Ohio Boating and Watercraft Always wear a life jacket - keep what matters afloat! However, we will remove posts that are deemed inappropriate. Such content will be removed.
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Our mission is to provide the finest boating services, facilities, protection, and education for users of Ohio's waterways through the innovative and wise use of our resources. Guidelines for Content on the Division of Parks and Watercraft Page: Ohio Boating and Watercraft

The Division of Parks and Watercraft welcomes open discussion on its social networking sites. Our goal is to share ideas and

information with as many individuals as possible, and our policy is to accept the majority of comments made to our profiles. Before you post, be sure to read our full policy below. This page is meant for social interaction, information, and education only. It is never meant to be used for official submission of public comments or reports. If in need of assistance, please find our contact information at https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/division-parks-watercraft/contact-parks-watercraft. The Division monitors participation on our profiles and pages, but we are not responsible for content generated by users. The opinions, comments or views expressed by participating users on the Division’s social networking sites do not represent the views of the Division of Parks and Watercraft. If you wish to submit content for consideration, please email it to [email protected]. All suggestions will be reviewed and a select few will be shared if they are deemed appropriate. Anyone who submits a photo gives the Division of Parks and Watercraft consent to use their photo in future publications or on our Web site. Photos of minors must be submitted by a parent or guardian. Posts are moderated for relevance and suitability and are approved at the discretion of the moderator. We do not allow profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, trolling, advertising, or political campaigning on this page. Other posts that will be removed include, without limitation, hate speech, nudity, illegal activity, and defamation to a person or people. People who post such material will be prohibited from making further posts. The Division may provide links to Web pages that are not part of our social networking sites. These sites are not under Division control and the Division is not responsible for the information or links you may find there. We provide these links only as a convenience. The presence of these links on any Division Web site does not imply Division endorsement of that site. By submitting content to any of the Division of Parks and Watercraft’s social networking sites, you understand and acknowledge that this information is available to the public. No information you consider confidential should be posted to this site. By posting you agree to be solely responsible for the content of all information you contribute, link to, or otherwise upload to the Web site and release the Division of Parks and Watercraft from any liability related to any use of the Web site.

06/05/2026
06/04/2026

🌊 Kayaking on Lake Erie or Other Large Bodies of Water? Stay Safe Out There! 🛶

Paddling big water can be an unforgettable adventure—but it also comes with unique risks. Before you head out onto Lake Erie or any large lake, keep these safety essentials in mind:

• Stick close to the nearest shoreline when traveling through tributaries. Larger vessels have deeper drafts and less room to maneuver—give them the space they need.

• Before crossing any channel, look carefully for oncoming boat traffic and make sure you have plenty of time to cross safely.

• Boost your visibility by attaching a bright safety flag to the stern of your kayak or canoe.

• Wear bright clothing and always keep your life jacket on.

• Maintain a constant lookout; waves, distance, and glare can make small craft hard for others to see.

• Keep a whistle on your life jacket to signal nearby vessels or call for help in an emergency.

• If you fall in and can’t get back in your kayak, stay with your boat. It’s a larger, easier-to-spot target for rescuers.

• File a float plan with someone you trust, including your vessel description, destination, and expected return time.

✨ Enjoy the wide-open water—but always respect its power and prepare for the unexpected. Safe paddling! ✨

Learn more at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO4VGkoyoK4

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
ODNR Parks & Watercraft Cleveland Marine Office
National Safe Boating Council
Safe Boating Campaign

We had a great time helping with this event at Maumee Bay State Park as our team helped promote water safety. Thank you ...
06/02/2026

We had a great time helping with this event at Maumee Bay State Park as our team helped promote water safety. Thank you to NRO Lt. Sarah Genzman for helping to coordinate this important effort with The Josh Project.

05/26/2026

Always wear a life jacket when on or around the water - keep what matters afloat!

05/22/2026

National Safe Boating Week (May 16–22) may be wrapping up, but safe habits on the water should stay with us all season long. As Ohioans gear up for summer adventures, now is the perfect time to recommit to the basics that protect everyone on our waterways.

Keep these safety essentials in mind each time you head out:

• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket that fits properly

• Build your skills with a certified boating safety course

• Share a float plan before leaving shore

• Use your engine cut‑off switch as required by law

• Check the forecast so you’re not caught off guard

• Stay sober while operating a boat

• Carry a waterproof communication device

Before that first trip of the year, take a quick look at your life jackets. Inspect them for damage, verify labels are readable, and confirm that inflatable components haven’t expired.

From paddling to cruising and everything in between, preparation is one of the best ways to ensure a fun and safe time on the water. Let’s keep Ohio’s lakes and rivers safe for everyone throughout the summer.

Learn more at ohiodnr.gov/boating.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
National Safe Boating Council
Safe Boating Campaign
Ohio, The Heart of it All

05/22/2026

It's the last day of National Safe Boating Week, but the fun is just beginning. Get out there this summer and find adventure. Make fun, safe memories. 🧡

Here's our final tip for the week! Always pay attention and maintain full visibility when operating a vessel.

05/21/2026

It's National Safe Boating Week! Day 6 - Tip 6: Take a safe boating course.

05/20/2026

It's Day 5 of National Safe Boating Week! Today's : Prepare for the unexpected.

05/20/2026

It's National Safe Boating Week! Day 4 - Tip 4: Never boat under the influence.

Address

2045 Morse Road, Bldg A
Columbus, OH
43229

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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+16142656480

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