Safe Boating Camp for 6 – 8th grade students
Mansfield -The North Central Ohio Safe Boating Council will offer a boating safety education program this summer for sixth through eighth -grade students. The council has an agreement to offer the Spirit of America curriculum in the Mansfield area. 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 the first day of the camp. 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.“ This OBEC class is mandatory and students must attend the class and pass an exam. Students will receive a card from ODNR stating that they have passed the class.
The on-the-water sessions involve a drowning prevention and equipment orientation session to help students understand the importance of wearing life jackets and to learn how to upright overturned sailboats, kayaks and canoes in a safe environment. The on-the water sessions will be held at the Mansfield Sailing Club at Clear Fork Reservoir where students will be receive hands-on instruction in power boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, personal watercraft, paddleboards and a large boat experience. Boy Scouts can earn merit badges in canoeing, small boat sailing, and motor boating with some additional work.
Mohican Outdoor School had been associated with the program for 12 years at Pleasant Hill Lake. The program is open to students who live in North Central Ohio. Registration will be held in April through June. Dates for the on-the-water sessions at the Mansfield Sailing Club will be announced soon. There is a $50 registration fee.
For additional information or a brochure go to Mansfield Spirit of America or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This year's festival will be held Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 1am until 4pm at Pleasant Hill Lake Park. Mark your calendar and check back later for more information!
