DES MOINES — The DNR is advising boaters and paddlers to avoid the Des Moines River at the Sycamore Access near Des Moines due to construction and high water levels creating unsafe conditions in the area.
Around noon Friday, DNR conservation officers rescued a boater from the area after the motor stalled on his fishing boat and the boat swamped. The one passenger on the boat was wearing a life jacket and was pulled from the water downstream. The boat has not yet been recovered.
“While the boater rescued today survived, this is the third incident this year at this location, which includes one fatality,” said Todd Robertson, with the DNR’s water trails program. “Boaters need to use extreme caution and judgement across the state with high water levels, and for sure to avoid the Sycamore Access area at this time.”
Bridge construction at the area, just off of NW 66th Avenue, is causing turbulent and unpredictable water current. High water levels on the river also are creating potentially dangerous conditions.