Follow these tips to stay safe on the water this boating season
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Memorial Day weekend is seen as the start of boating season, and with more boats hitting the water in the coming months, safety is top of mind.
Speeding into the holiday weekend, Tyler Hoffstedder only needs one word to describe being out on the water: freedom.
He and Kelly Heizer are part of the Freedom Boat Club. It's the world's largest members-only boat club.
"We send you off, you have a good time, and when you get back, we will be waiting for you,” said Heizer.
After a one-time entry fee, monthly dues get you unlimited access to safety training and boats at club locations locally and all over the world.
Along the Ohio River, the Freedom Boat Club has vessels at the Manhattan and Four Seasons marinas.
"You have all of the safety equipment in the boat, which is another great thing about Freedom Boat Club. You don’t have to worry about it. Everything is on the boat,” said Heizer.
Safety is especially important during Memorial Day weekend.
Safety requirements in Ohio vary depending on the type of boat, but all boats must have life jackets, sound signaling devices, and an anchor light.
The Coast Guard reports there were nearly 4,500 boating accidents in 2021, resulting in 658 deaths, and that 81% percent of the victims drowned.
"So, it really just comes down to planning, making sure that you have the equipment necessary to respond to any situation you might run into,” said Coast Guard 11th District public affairs PO Matthew West.
For Hoffstedder, bringing along a friend is best practice, and it's something Freedom Boat Club requires.
"First off, just to have the company, and you never know what can happen out there," he said. "You might need someone else's hands out there. It’s always better to have a buddy with you."
