Cleveland State University’s Campus Recreation Services have been awarded a $14,652 grant to bolster boating and safety programs. 

On an annual basis, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) provides grant money to promote safe boating in Ohio waterways. This year, CSU’s Campus Recreation Services is one of 13 organizations receiving funding. 

The grant will allow Campus Recreation to enhance its safety courses by offering the National Association of State Boating Law Administrator’s Ohio Boater Education Course starting this summer. The course satisfies specific State of Ohio age requirements to operate a power craft greater than 10 horse power, and provides individuals the potential to reduce their personal water craft insurance premiums by increasing boater safety awareness and knowledge.

Utilizing the funding, Campus Recreation Services will also be able to purchase 12 stand-up paddle boards. The addition of these boards will enhance CSU aquatics, adventure recreation, and fitness and wellness programming by offering quick-start and beginner paddle boarding lessons, drop-in and open recreation paddle boarding, as well as day trips to surrounding Cleveland waterways. The grant will also allow CSU to certify multiple instructors to foster a safe, fun and engaging program to the CSU and campus community.

“We are so excited to be at the center of boater safety in the Cleveland metropolitan area,” Nick Froelich, director of Campus Recreation Services, says. “This would not have been possible without the leadership of staff members Cole Osborn and Keanu Hallowell and the continued support and collaboration with the ODNR.”