Special care should be taken for early season boating adventures

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Cold, fast-moving water poses special safety risks to boaters and anglers.

As spring is here and the last of winter's snow and ice melts away, outdoor enthusiasts are to be reminded that waterways remain frigid and some rivers and streams could be near or at flood stage in coming weeks.

These conditions pose special hazards to early season boaters, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

High and fast stream currents, downed trees that act as "strainers" that undercut and erode banks, standing waves at the bottom of chutes and other underwater obstacles can be dangerous to anyone walking, wading or boating in or near a waterway.

"It's a time of year when extra precautions are needed to ensure that the strength and speed of the river does not exceed your skill capabilities or that of your equipment," said Pamela S. Dillon, chief of the division of watercraft.

The ODNR recommends "scouting" a stream prior to launching a boat in an unfamiliar area. Boaters are urged to file a float plan with a responsible person and be prepared to get wet by dressing in layers of synthetic materials with a wind-resilient outer shell.

Capsizing or falling unexpectedly into cold water can be life-threatening to anyone who is not prepared.

ODNR also advises to properly wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while boating, and when wading or fishing in rivers or streams.

Boaters should use extra caution when in the vicinity of lowhead dams, making sure boats are properly loaded with people and gear.

Additional safety tips on boating during the early spring are available at ohiodnr.com

Berlin Lake
Association to meet

On April 16, the Berlin Lake Association will have its annual meeting at the Deerfield Community Center on Route 14, which is located just past the intersection. Festivities will commence at 7 p.m.

Gary Cameron, local shore management head of the Army Corps of Engineers, will be present to expound on the Corps new Shoreline Management Plan.

Those interested may reach Gary at 330-547-3781 for discussion details.

Thanks to Warren Davis of the Hickory Grove group for his contributions to this article.

New Web site progressing

After more than a year of disappointments, glitches and general frustration, our new "Buckeye Angler" fishing Web site is up and running smoothly at long last -- with new management and oversight, and a variety of new features including a brand new "forums" section from which to interact with myself, fellow anglers and our staff on any number of fishing-related issues.

I invite all readers who have so many thoughtful and appreciated questions and comments for me through the mail, at sportshows and received through the Record-Courier and Record Publishing Co's weekly newspapers to access and join the site at www.buckeyeangler.com.

We think you will enjoy the variety of useful and entertaining features like: a library of past fishing articles and essays, the latest announcements on the "Buckeye Angler" TV show for 2008, video tidbits from the show you can sample our "Cabin Fever Theater" prior to their airing, our gallery of photos that we will be literally doubling in the next week or so and a variety of other options for you anglers.

I especially look forward to your input on ideas for future articles and programs.

Editor's note: Readers can reach Jack Kiser through his Web site at www.buckeyeangler.com.

E-mail: stowsports@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113