7 days ago
How to stay safe at Ohio state parks this summer
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — ODNR wants people to get outside this summer to enjoy a nice hike in the woods, a swim in the lake, or go boating on the open water, but they want you to do so safely.
2 NEWS spoke with an officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to learn more about how to stay safe while enjoying the summer weather.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself if you are on the water is by wearing a life jacket. ODNR officer Garrett Heasley says just a few months ago, they added 32 life jacket loaner stations around the state.'It's a safety thing. Life jackets are going to help you float,' said Heasley. 'You know, you might have a sudden medical condition, an injury, something like that, where you're not able to swim. So having a life jacket on will keep you afloat and keep you safe until you can get rescued.'Before you head to the water or the woods, let a friend or family member know where you will be hiking or swimming, and when you expect to return from the park.
Heasley says if something were to go wrong, this helps locate you faster.
'Search parties or rescue personnel can assist and better make it to you in a more timely manner,' said Heasley. Bring enough water, and be sure to leave the alcohol at home, as consumption is not allowed in the parks, especially when boating.
Heasley says operating any vehicle under the influence is illegal. 'Operating under the influence of alcohol in Ohio is illegal. There's no open containers allowed of alcohol on our state park waters,' said Heasley. 'There's very stiff penalties for operating under the influence of alcohol.'ODNR recommends you check out park maps to find out where the no wake zones are located, which are in place to protect beachgoers and the shoreline.
To learn which state parks are near you, click here.
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