The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has made it a little easier for Spanish-speaking Ohio boaters to stay safe on the water. For the first time, ODNR is publishing an Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide in Spanish.
“We want to make sure everyone in Ohio has a fun and safe boating experience,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “This partnership with the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission will help Spanish speaking boaters in Ohio learn the ways of the water, encourage required safety equipment, and ensure boaters have everything they need to make cherished memories on our lakes, rivers, and streams.”
The Ohio Boat Operator's Guide is a summary of boating laws and rule for Ohio. The publication has helped boaters across Ohio achieve state boating registration and seeks to ensure that new boaters are well-prepared and practicing safe standards on the water.
Throughout the Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide, readers will receive a detailed explanation in Spanish on topics such as basic boating terminology, weather situations and rules of responsibility. ODNR has partnered with the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA) to promote the Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide in Spanish as well as other boating safety information sharing opportunities.
“We are very pleased to partner with the ODNR to share the boating safety message to Spanish speakers in Ohio,” Executive Director of the Latino Affairs Commission Lilleana Cavanaugh said. “This partnership greatly assists our agency in acting as a liaison to bring the Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide Spanish version as well as other important boating safety information to the Hispanic/Latino community in Ohio.”
A 2017 study published by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and Discover Boating revealed that Hispanic boaters represent a fast-growing, emerging market of first-time boat buyers. According to the September 2018 Hispanic Fishing and Boating Trends Study, published by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation:
- 45% of Hispanics agree that fishing and boating are part of cultural heritage
- Nearly 40% of respondents had gone fishing at least once in the past year, but 63% state they would like to fish more often.
- 54% of Hispanics consider outdoor activities important to them and their families.
- Hispanic anglers and non-anglers alike express a desire to appreciate and preserve natural resources.
- 82% consider it important to teach their children to value nature and the environment.
- 78% value protecting aquatic resources, wildlife and endangered species.
These findings indicate opportunities to better engage this audience and spread the joy of boating and fishing.
Order or download a copy of the Ohio Boat Operator’s Guide at no cost here. Through the online version, readers will learn visually using graphics. The printed full-color, 49-page guidebook that is included with the Ohio's Boating Education Home Study Course offers expansive imaging and broad coverage of all topics that boaters will be able to keep with them on their vessels for reference.
The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA) serves as a liaison between government and the Hispanic/Latino community in Ohio and advises the Governor, General Assembly, and state government agencies on all matters affecting Hispanic/Latino Ohioans through the issuing of reports, proposing programs, commenting on legislation, conducting policy-related research, and growing statewide and regional networks.
Categories: Ohio, General