Bay Schools receives 2012 safe boating grant

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft recently announced that the Bay Village City School District has been awarded a grant of $ 2,239.71 as part of the Boating Safety Education Grant Program. The Division of Watercraft is awarding $366,528.02 to political subdivisions and non-profit organizations for boating education programs. The Bay Village Schools is one of 30 organizations across the state to receive funding.

The funds will be used to provide a free boating safety education program this summer for seventh-grade students. The nationally recognized program, known as Spirit of America (SOA), provides students both classroom and on-the-water sessions to teach safe boating skills. Participants will take the Ohio Boating Education Course on two Saturdays in May and must pass a written exam. This meets the Ohio law that requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to show proof they have completed an approved boating course if they are operating a power boat over 10 horsepower. 

The on-the-water sessions involve a pool session to help students understand the importance of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) and to learn how to upright overturned sailboats, kayaks and canoes in a safe environment. The remainder of the on-the-water sessions are held at Whiskey Island Marina where students will be instructed in hands-on sessions in power boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, personal watercraft and, new this year, paddleboards.

The Bay Village Schools have been associated with the program for 12 years and are the fiscal organization for the grant.  The program is open to registered students who live in Cuyahoga County. Registration will be held in March and April and the classroom sessions are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays, May 12 and May 19.  The on-the-water sessions at Whiskey Island Marina will be held from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on June 18, 25 and July 2. For additional information go to www.spiritofamerica95.org and look at the Bay Village location or email Cuyahoga@spiritofamerica95.org.