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The St. Marys Boat Club maintains a pontoon and regularly monitors radio channels 72, 16 and 9 in case of emergencies on Grand Lake.
ST. MARYS - Whether in a kayak, sailboat or motorboat, the easiest way to ensure the perfect ride on Grand Lake's waters is to take the proper safety precautions.
According to U.S. Coast Guard data, drowning accounts for 75% of recreational boating deaths - and 87% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.
Last year in Ohio, there were 16 deaths related to recreational boating, per the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Only two victims were known to be wearing a personal flotation device.
To prevent accidents and injury, area boaters are encouraged to do the following:
St. Marys Boat Club Commodore Phil Fuerst recommends those with sail or motorboats have their boats checked annually by an outside party, such as the boat club or ODNR.
"Because sometimes you get used to the way your boat's set up," he said. "Another set of eyes is pretty important. … If anybody is interested (and) they didn't know who to call, they can get ahold of us and we can (check their boat), because we usually have a couple of days where we'll say it's boat check time."
Two sailboats float on Grand Lake at the St. Marys Boat Club docks.
Prior to travel, boat captains should not only create a plan of where the boat is set to travel, referred to as a float plan, but they should also share the plan with friends or family on shore.
"You could say, 'OK, we're over here, and we're going to go over there," Fuerst said. "You know, just so people have an idea, because even here winds can blow up pretty quickly."
One of the first things that most people forget to do is tell people about their boat prior to take off, Fuerst said.
"Not that it's a such and such boat or anything else," he said. "But where's everything at? If you need a life vest, where's it at? If you need to throw something at somebody who went into the water, where's it at? If a fire breaks out, where's (help) at?"
St. Marys Boat Club Commodore Phil Fuerst demonstrates how to securely put on a life jacket.
Life vests are essential, Fuerst said.
ODNR recommends picking one that is U.S. Coast Guard approved, fits properly and suits the specific activity.
"Life vests are super important," Fuerst said. "Make sure everybody knows how to put it on (and) they've got it on tight, that kind of thing."
In case someone goes overboard, he also recommends a flotation device, preferably one that's a bright color and has a line attached to it.
"If I fall in the water, it's usually good to have some sort of ring or cushion like this that has a line attached to it. These are pretty handy because you can sit on them, you know, you can rest on them. We always have one that has a line attached to it. So if I throw it out at you, we can then haul you in. It's good to have it a nice bright color."
A flotation device that has a line attached.
Stay connected with a marine radio.
ODNR suggests boaters keep at least one waterproof communication device, such as a VHF radio or a waterproof cell phone, on hand.
The St. Marys Boat Club regularly monitors radio channels 72, 16 and 9, Fuerst said. The club also maintains a pontoon in case of emergencies on Grand Lake.
"Marine radios are pretty cheap," he added. "When I say that, they're like $90 to $100. So it's not a lot of money. This one floats in all kinds of (conditions). So if you had a kayak and all that and it falls into the water, it's bobbing around. Our radio here in the club, we'll hear it inside and outside."
ODNR warns against anyone trying to operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
"(Boating under the influence) continues to be the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and injuries," the ODNR website states. "In 2023, there were four boating accidents that involved alcohol. Of those incidents, there was one fatality and two injuries reported."
Fuerst echoed the sentiment.
"The captain should not drink," he said. "The captain should avoid (anything more than) just like a beer or something like that. At the same time, with passengers, if you get somebody who's kind of that loud, crazy drunk, if they enter the boat plastered, (you'll want to say), 'Let's sober up first.'"
There are several additional items Fuerst recommends captains keep on their boat just in case, including:
• snacks and water in case of dehydration or sea sickness
• an emergency ladder to help anyone overboard safely get back on the boat
• a fire extinguisher that can be used on diesel and gas fires, mainly for power boats, for potential fires
• a bright orange distress flag in case of any type of medical or boat emergency.
For more information on boat safety or the St. Marys Boat Club, contact the club at
419-300-7622, or stop by at 973 Edgewater Drive, St. Marys.
An emergency ladder to help climb into the boat.
A fire extinguisher for use on diesel and gas fires.
A brightly colored distress flag is helpful.
A first aid kit is important to have on board.
A whistle can call attention to a boat in distress.
