(Des Moines)—Statistics from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources show that with one exception, the Iowa Great Lakes has ranked consistently among the top five regions in the state for arrests for boating while intoxicated, or BWI, since 2008.
According to the agency, the Iowa Great Lakes was third in the state for BWI arrests in 2012; 4th in 2011; and 1st in both 2009 and 2008. The only year the Iowa Great Lakes didn’t make the top 5 was in 2010.
The DNR has come out with the statistics in advance of the start of the peak boating season May 25th. The agency reminds boat operators of the .08 blood alcohol limit that became law on July 1st, 2011.
Officials warn the effects of even a small amount of alcohol are amplified on water by wind and wave action, the sun and glare off the water.
