Boaters are urged to steer clear of underwater divers this weekend. KUOO’s Becky Thoreson has details:
(Okoboji)-Nonprofit group, Keep Okoboji Blue, will host an underwater cleanup on Saturday on West Lake Okoboji.
Kyle Hamilton says, the event will start and end at Okoboji Boat Works. “So, we’ll base out of there. There will be snorkelers, as well, not just scuba divers. We just wanted to focus on an all underwater clean up this time. This was a huge event back in the 70s and 80s when the University of Okoboji used to do it. We just wanted to bring it back because stuff gets in the lake and it just needs to be taken out.”
He notes that an underwater scavenger hunt will take place. “We’re gonna hide some little caches under water. Then we’ll them GPS marked and we’ll kind of give them some clues as to where they are at. They can dive anywhere from about 8:30 or 9 in the morning until 3. Then at 3, we want everybody to come back to Okoboji Boats and bring all of their findings back so that we can get them put into a dumpster, take pictures, give away some prizes.”
He adds that boaters should be aware of the divers. “Pay attention to the dive flags. Everybody that scuba dives is supposed to have a dive flag by law, and it floats up on top of the water. It’s a red and white striped flag, and you’re supposed to stay 50 yards away from those markers at all times. We just want everybody to know what those are about, and not to be curious and come over to the flag. Do just the opposite and stay away from it.”
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