Requiring schools in Ohio to provide water safety training and swimming lessons is a legislative priority for the Ohio Marine Trades Association, while dealing with derelict vessels from two hurricanes is a priority for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“Codifying that water safety and swimming lessons be made available to all students will be a clear win-win,” says OMTA president Michelle Burke. “In addition to increasing overall safety on the water, from our industry’s perspective, the fact that students would be properly introduced to swimming will clearly bring into sharper focus the joys and opportunities to enjoy our boating lifestyle.”
The legislation (HB 659) was introduced in the Ohio General Assembly by Rep. Adam Mathews and Rep. Brian Lorenz. It’s expected to begin the hearing process when the legislature returns from its recess. Organizations supporting the bill include the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, the Miami Conservancy District, Five Rivers MetroParks and the Boating Associations of Ohio.
Meanwhile in Florida, back-to back hurricanes Helene and Milton left left hundreds of derelict boats and a challenging scenario that the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is addressing as a top priority.
Boats were pushed ashore, damaged in marinas and at private docks, ripped from moorings and relocated, some afloat and others partially or fully sunken.
The response has been fast, spearheaded and coordinated by the FWC. In addition to local agencies and marine patrols, FWC immediately deployed 17 additional officers and three derelict vessel specialists to southwest Florida to locate, identify and investigate boats rendered derelict by the storms.
“We completely understand the difficulties caused by the hurricanes and sympathize with all owners and boaters impacted,” says Maj. Bill Holcomb, Boating and Waterways Section leader. “Our officers and vessel specialists immediately began to help identify displaced and damaged vessels. We are dedicated to helping boat owners locate their vessels and ensure the timely, expedited removal of any boats from state waters that threaten the environment, obstruct safe use of a waterway or are clearly rendered derelict.”
There could be instances in which boat owners are unable to facilitate salvage. Those lacking the resources to have their boat repaired, or if it is determined to be beyond repair, can release ownership through a waiver being provided by the FWC. The waiver process can be initiated by contacting the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at (850) 488-5600 and requesting to turn over a vessel rendered derelict by a hurricane.
A dedicated FWC team is helping with the waiver process and facilitating potential turnover. Owners of derelict vessels are given 45 days to remove their boats from the waterway or bring it into a non-derelict condition. Owners need to know they have options.
Anyone who witnesses an oil spill, chemical release, fuel or hazardous material spill in Florida waters can call the State Watch Office at (800) 342-3557.
Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the Caribbean and will likely bring rain to parts of Florida and the Southeast as it enters the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday evening. It will likely to become a hurricane but is expected to weaken in the Gulf because of unfavorable upper-level winds, dry air and cooler water.
