The Tristate's section of the Ohio River is a popular spot for water lovers, but boaters beware: Tighter restrictions are on the horizon for juveniles.
A bill to be signed next month would require boat training for those born after Jan. 1, 1982. The law would go into effect Jan. 1, 2000.
The law would apply only to people who operate watercraft with more than 10 horsepower; personal watercraft such as Jet Skis typically have more than that.
Twenty-two states already have similar laws, including Indiana, where boat operators must be at least 15 years old. Kentucky approved similar legislation in March that would prohibit juveniles younger than 12 from operating watercraft. Its law will go into effect in 1999.
Ohio already does not allow juveniles younger than 16 to operate personal watercraft by themselves.
While statistically not many juveniles are responsible for watercraft accidents, lawmakers, water experts and most watercraft dealers agree that steps need to be taken to ensure youth safety. "Something should be done about these people who think they can put their 9-year-old on the thing and let them go," said Tom Bellamy, owner of Beechmont Motor Sport in Union Township, Clermont County.
Nearly 1,700 new watercraft were registered in the state last year, which pushed the number of boats on Ohio's waterways to almost 400,000. Eight percent of those are personal watercraft, yet those craft are involved in more than 20 percent of the accidents.
According to statistics from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, personal-watercraft operators were responsible for 289 accidents in 1997. Five involved juveniles who were operating the craft.
From 1990 to 1995, personal-watercraft accidents increased 40 percent, which led to the legislation.
Rep. Rex Damschroder, R-Fremont, began his push for mandatory testing after the series of accidents.
"Ohio is a very proactive state when it comes to the water," said Lt. Patrick Baker of the 8th Coast Guard District in New Orleans. "These accidents have led to initiatives that are going to protect kids."
The multiple-choice test called for in the new law would question youths about water safety and the operation of boats and personal watercraft. A minimum score of 80 percent would be required.
Tests can be obtained through Coast Guard offices, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Internet.
The people who will suffer from the law, Mr. Bellamy said, are those who own rental stores on the Ohio River. The law would make it impossible for an uncertified child to operate a watercraft. Steve Dodd, co-owner of Catalina Harbour in Sayler Park, said the government should leave him alone.
"There are so many state laws, and it's hard for us to operate this way," he said. "These kids like to play in the water. By the time they hit 16, they're not interested in this anymore."
PH:Malinda Rackley for The Cincinnati Enquirer -->
