OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday that it's awarding $350,000 in grants to 14 organizations across Ohio to strength local boating education programs.

 “These grants are an investment in our communities and in the safety of those who enjoy Ohio’s waterways,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz in a release. “By supporting programs that promote boating safety and water recreation, we are ensuring that all Ohioans have the opportunity to learn safe and responsible boating practices that will last a lifetime.”

The grants will help local programs purchase boats, safety equipment and trailers. Here's which places and programs are receiving the grants:

  • Miami University (Butler County) is receiving a $25,199 grant to fund equipment for advanced canoeing courses, including canoes, paddles, life jackets, rescue gear, and a trailer. It will also support instructor certification, ensuring high-quality education and safe exploration of Ohio waterways, according to ODNR.
  • Argonaut (Cuyahoga County) will get $28,158 to purchase a kayak trailer, personal flotation devices (PFDs), motors for small craft student boats, paddles, rescue gear, and safety equipment.
  • Cleveland Foundry (Cuyahoga County) will use $59,888 to purchase a safety boat, student sailboats and staff training for U.S. Sailing Small Boat Instructor Certification.
  • Rec2Connect (Cuyahoga County) is getting $29,981 for  stabilizing outriggers, tandem kayaks, adaptive paddles, life vests, and other equipment for inclusive opportunities.
  • On The Water Ohio Education Center and Paddling Center (Cuyahoga County) will use $31,439 to cover costs for booth setup, print materials and promotional efforts for these educational programs and safety messages.
  • Adaptive Sports Connection (ASC) (Delaware County) will receive $10,019 for kayaks and a trailer, enabling ASC to expand its reach and continue providing accessible boating experiences.
  • Sandusky Junior Sailors Inc. (Erie County) will use $40,700 to repair a safety boat, develop marketing materials, cover insurance costs, and provide instructor certification training.
  • City of Gahanna (Franklin County) is getting a $14,198 grant for 14 single kayaks, four tandem kayak, and a trailer for transportation and storage, ensuring continued access to recreational paddling education for residents and visitors.
  • Girl Scouts of Western Ohio (Hamilton County) is receiving $9,787 to buy canoes, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and other essential safety equipment, enhancing the program’s ability to offer these valuable experiences.
  • Licking County Parks District (Licking County) will utilize $20,171 to expand boater safety education through new equipment and skills development programs. The funding will provide longer kayaks, tandem kayaks for families, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) to introduce SUP skills courses.
  • Five Rivers MetroParks (Montgomery County) will use $24,925 to buy SUPs, safety equipment, a trailer wrap with a safety message, and instructor training.
  • Put-in-Bay Community Swim & Sail Program (Ottawa County) will receive $20,000 will support the purchase of a new coach sailboat, enhancing the program’s ability to provide quality instruction and on-the-water support.
  • Sunday Creek Associates (Perry County) will be awarded $27,571 to buy kayaks and related equipment to expand their program and offer kayaking classes.
  • Mansfield Power Squadron (MPS) (Richland County) will receive $7,960 will support advertising, marketing and educational materials to enhance outreach efforts and promote the squadron’s boating safety programs.