As many Iowa boaters get ready to take to the water for the first time this year this coming weekend, be sure to brush up on these basic boating safety and maintenance tips.
Start with the trailer. Be sure to check tire pressure, wheel bearings and trailer lights.
Make a safety check. Make sure that all the safety equipment you’re required to have in the boat is still operational – like life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound producing devices and throwable devices.
Get charged up. Make sure the boat’s battery is ready to go, and check navigation lights, too.
Get schooled. Read up on Iowa boating regulations and take a boating education course (available online). Iowa law requires a person age 12-18 to successfully complete a boater education course and have proof of successful completion, or be accompanied by an experienced boat operator age 18 or older, to operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or greater.