It’s summer, and despite the recent weather, millions of local residents and visitors are preparing to enjoy time in, on, and by the water. In Ohio, we are blessed with a variety of waterways, both natural and man-made, fresh water and salt water. In fact, water covers nearly 4,000 square miles (8.8%) of Ohio’s surface area. Portage County has it all from natural lakes and streams to canals and reservoirs, marshes, bogs and more. It boasts almost 1,500 acres of natural lakes making it the county with the highest area of lake coverage in the Buckeye State.
By definition, a lake is a body of water large enough to have different temperature zones and wide enough to have wave action. The Buckeye State has 110 natural lakes each 5 acres or larger. These lakes were carved out of the land by glaciers during the last ice age.
Ohio’s lakes are home to a great variety of wildlife. They provide us opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and activities like bird watching, paddle boarding, water skiing, scuba diving, even surfing! And don’t forget that most of Ohio’s lakes have beaches. Each year, Buckeye beaches host more than 226 million visitors.
In addition to lakes, Ohio is ripe with rivers, streams, and canals. These waterways are a valuable natural resource generating around $50 billion a year. Besides fishing and boating, tubing is a popular river activity. We can’t ignore the river banks which provide places to camp, picnic, hike, bike and golf.
Besides all of the recreational opportunities that bodies of water provide, there is an element of history and education that is difficult to quantify. In addition, being on or near the water has significant positive impacts on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Water is an important part of Buckeye past, present and future. It fuels our economy, our souls, and our bodies.
If you are planning to make use of an Ohio body of water this summer, here are a few reminders to help ensure safety and enjoyment:
Respect the rules. Follow all laws and safety regulations.
An Ohio Fishing License is required for anyone age 16 or older.
PDFs (Personal Flotation Device) are required for anyone on or operating a boat.
Before heading to the beach, check the Ohio Health Department Beach Guard website (https://publicapps.odh.ohio.gov/beachguardpublic/) It can also be reached from the ODNR Swim Safe page. This tracks water safety in lakes and rivers according to toxicity levels caused by harmful bacteria that grow in the water. Updates are posted weekly. Public beaches fly color coded flags to warn of bacterial growth: Yellow is an advisory that children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should not swim there. Red means that everyone including pets are to avoid all contact with the water there.
Avoid any sort of dam or obstruction in the water.
Whenever possible take a buddy and make someone on land aware of where, when, and how long you plan to be.
Just because the air temperature is hot doesn’t mean the water is. Hypothermia can occur in prolonged exposure to water temperatures below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is one reason outdoor swimming venues monitored by lifeguards force periodic breaks.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, disorientation, and physical and mental fatigue. Drinking water or sports drinks are the best options to avoid dehydration, but remember to bring your own. Ohio’s public waterways are not safe for direct consumption.
Be aware of sun exposure. Use sunblock and reapply periodically according to directions. If you do get a sunburn taking Ibuprofen in the first several hours afterwards can help prevent blisters and sickness. Heatstroke is also a problem and can be fatal. Take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke.