TOLEDO, Ohio — Boating can be a fun activity for the whole family, but what happens when things go wrong?
May 18 marks the 25th anniversary of National Boating Safety Week. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, in 2023, the 10 people involved in boat-related deaths were not wearing lifejackets.
Spencer Beallas works for the Auxiliary Coast Guard in Toledo. He says it's important to always be in control of the situation.
"Slow down, take your time, don't panic. Get your bearings. It's very easy to lose situational awareness out on the water," Beallas said.
From regularly checking your boat to reading new regulations, part of that safety includes maintenance.
"The biggest thing we suggest is that everyone get their vessel safety checks. It is to ensure that you have all of your updated equipment and everything is safe on your boat," Beallas said.
Mario Campos, the owner of Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters, says his staff tries to help educate customers before they go on the water.
"Wear a life jacket, it'll save your life. And go with someone experienced. It's more fun with somebody, and somebody experienced knows what they're doing," Campos said. "Any body of water can become dangerous real quick."
He says it's important to be aware before you go out by letting someone know your plans so they know where you'll be and when to expect you back. Campos says to have a device onboard to visually or audibly signal for help if necessary.
"Make sure you know your body of water a little bit," he added. "If it looks dangerous and you have a question, it's probably not the day to go out."
Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters also helps educate its customers by passing out free boating rules handbooks for those on the Maumee River and Lake Erie.
The ODNR offers boater education and skills classes to the public, too.