Safety an important component of the boating scene

May 27—Memorial Day weekend kicks off the boating season, as many people take their vessels on to Lake Erie or area rivers and streams.

The U.S. Coast Guard has reduced their coverage of Lake Erie. Last year, the USCG told area officials the Ashtabula station would not be staffed starting on Memorial Day, as it had been in past years, and instead would only be staffed on a part-time basis at the busiest times of the summer, and the Fairport Harbor station would also be down-sized.

Safety awareness is that much more important, as the distance to bring assistance has increased dramatically, local officials said.

The Ashtabula safety forces have stepped up their game the last three or four years as the city's police and fire departments have worked together. That cooperative relationship will be even more important this year, with the reduced coverage.

"We got the boat a number of years ago as a part of [a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant]," said Ashtabula Police Chief Robert Stell. He said the boat was intended for occasional trips along the lake, but has become more of a search and rescue operation boat as the years have gone by.

He said the fire department asked if they could work with the police department and be able to conduct rescue options when needed. Stell said the arrangement has worked well, and provides more people who are trained to operate the boat.

Stell said the department has been able to get grant reimbursement for use of the boat as well.

Ashtabula Fire Department Chief Shawn Gruber said the joint asset will be important this summer. He said the four-year arrangement has worked well, but without the Coast Guard coverage it will be more of a challenge.

He said the department will respond to medical calls and potential rescue operations, but they do not provide towing services. Gruber said it is important for boaters to consider hiring a towing service in case of an engine problem or other mechanical difficulty.

Gruber said he has met with officials from the U.S. Coast Guard stations in Cleveland and Erie. He said Erie will generally handle calls east of Saybrook, and Cleveland will handle calls west of Saybrook.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also has a boat used for enforcement and rescue operations. The Ashtabula County Water Rescue team, which includes representatives from six departments, also provides an important role in water safety in northeastern Ohio.

The water rescue team recently received a grant for equipment to be used in rescue and recovery operations on Lake Erie and in ponds, rivers and streams throughout Ashtabula County.

The U.S. Coast Guard has a series of suggestions for boater safety on its website.

The importance of wearing life vests is high on the priority list for boaters, according to the Coast Guard.

"The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims," the website states.

The site also urges boaters to learn how to operate their vessels, and work hard to understand all the rules of boating. The site states:

—Federal law mandates all boating accidents must be reported.

—Fire extinguishers are important for boaters.

—Conducting a boat safety check is important to make sure all necessary items are available in case of an emergency.

—It is important to know physical limits when kayaking or canoeing.

—A float plan should be filed so there is an approximate idea where a disabled boat may be, in case of an emergency.

—Carbon monoxide can be fatal while boating.