(Wahpeton)– Officials are also concerned over fatalities on the water as the recreational boating season kicks into high gear this weekend. Susan Stocker, Boating Law Administrator and Boating Education Program Coordinator for the Iowa DNR, says it’s important to review boating laws and inspect your boat and safety equipment before hitting the water. And if you’re planning to include alcohol in your plans, Stocker says like driving a car, it’s also illegal to operate a boat while you’re drunk or impaired…
“Approximately one third of all the boating fatalities involve alcohol and unfortunately sometimes and more often in Iowa our numbers can reach up to, you know, over 50 percent of our boating fatalities involve alcohol, so that is one of the leading contributing factors to the fatalities.”
Stocker notes that in addition to the usual full time DNR enforcement officers, they will once again have seasonal help out there as well…
“They will certainly be out in force and being sure that everybody is able to play it safe, stay sober, and be alert when they’re out there.”
And with the warmer temperatures in the forecast this weekend, Stocker says you can expect to see a high volume of boats on the water. She encourages everyone to use patience at the boat ramps which will likely be busy.
Officials are also emphasizing the importance of cleaning, draining and drying boats before traveling from one body of water to another to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
