(Arnolds Park)– With thousands of boats expected to be plying the waters of the Iowa Great Lakes over the Fourth of July holiday period, officials are urging everyone to use extra caution.
Gary Owen of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says patience will be the name of the game. He adds you make sure your boat is in good operating condition, that the lights are working, and that you have the proper number of life jackets for those on board.
And when it comes to alcohol, Owen says you better leave it alone if you’re going to be driving a vehicle or operating a boat. If you do indulge, Owen says you should have a designated driver. He says officers will be strictly enforcing boating while intoxicated laws.
If you’re going to be on the lake during fireworks displays, Owen says you need to keep out of “clear zones” that will be established around the barge from which the fireworks will be launched.
Owen says the Lakes Patrol has a full roster of officers on duty this weekend.
