If you are like most Islanders (like me) you love to go out Boating on Lake Erie in Ohio. However, it is important to know the rules of the Road or in this case the rules of the Lake!
The laws and regulations come from the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft, and federal navigation rules.
Here are some Key Ohio Boating Laws for you to know to keep you and your family safe and legal.
- Life Jackets
- Every vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.
- Children under 10 years old must wear a life jacket while underway on vessels less than 18 feet long.
- Personal watercraft (Jet Skis, Waverunners) operators and passengers must wear a life jacket.
- Alcohol and Boating (BUI)
Operating a boat under the influence is illegal.
- Ohio’s boating BAC limit is 0.08%, similar to driving. You also cannot operate a boat or watercraft under the influence of drugs. The laws are generally the same as operating a motor vehicle.
- ODNR officers, Coast Guard, and local marine patrols actively enforce BUI laws on Lake Erie.
- Navigation Rules
- Follow federal “Rules of the Road.”
- Maintain a proper lookout.
- Operate at a safe speed.
- Give way as required by navigation rules.
- Display proper navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during restricted visibility.
- Registration
- Most motorized boats must be registered with Ohio.
- Registration numbers and validation stickers must be properly displayed.
- Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis, Waverunners)
- You must be 16 years of age or older to operator.
- Must have an attached engine cut-off switch (kill switch).
- No operation between sunset and sunrise.
- Reckless maneuvers and wake jumping near vessels are prohibited.
- Reckless Operation Prohibited activities include:
- Excessive speed in crowded areas.
- Operating too close to swimmers, docks, or other vessels.
- Creating hazardous wakes.
- Weaving through traffic.
Go Slow in No-Wake Zones! No Wake means No Wake!
Safety Equipment
On Lake Erie, because conditions can change rapidly, boaters should carry:
- Visual distress signals (required in some circumstances under federal law)
- Sound-producing device (horn or whistle)
- Fire extinguisher (if required by vessel type)
- Marine radio recommended
Penalties
Violations can result in:
- Fines
- Suspension of boating privileges
- Criminal charges for serious offenses such as BUI or reckless operation
For boaters around Kellys Island, Law Enforcement officers pay particular attention to BUI, no-wake zones, and interactions with ferry traffic, especially during summer weekends and holiday events. These are the violations that most often lead to stops and citations.
Ensure that you and your loved ones and friends are safe if you are boating this summer by following these simple safety laws and guidelines.
Dean DePiero DEPIERO LAW
(Attorney DePiero also serves as the Kelleys Island Mayors Court Magistrate and has been an “Islander” since 2002)
