DES MOINES – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans to their state parks and waterways.
The DNR reminds users to abide by all safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
Boating Safety
Boaters headed out to a lake, river, pond or any other waterway should follow these safety tips:
- Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boaters.
- Park your vehicles and trailers in designated parking spaces NOT in grass areas or they will be ticketed and towed.
- Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
- The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
- Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
- Wear your life jacket, it floats, you don’t! Any children under the age 13 must wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel underway in Iowa.
- Every boat or vessel must have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board; a USCG approved throw-able flotation device is also required on vessels 16 feet or longer.
- Make sure there is a charged fire extinguisher on board, as well as a horn/whistle.
- Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft.
- Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
- Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
- Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid the spread of invasive species.
Beach & Swimming Safety
Wherever you choose to swim this Labor Day weekend, whether it's a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool, please follow these safety tips:
- Keep young children at arm's reach at all times. Never, even for a moment, leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while swimming.
- Drowning is silent.
- Learn how to perform CPR.
- Avoid alcohol use while swimming.
- Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
- Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
- Stay within the roped area of the lake.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Obey posted signs and flags.
- Wear a life jacket or some kind of personal flotation device.
- Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water as needed.
- Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
- Check for bacteria levels at state park beaches at: https://programs.iowadnr.gov/aquia/Programs/Beaches
State Parks/Campgrounds Safety
This weekend will be another very busy one if you plan to visit a state park and campground, use these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable time:
- Plan ahead for your visit to parks and campgrounds. Pack snacks, food, water, sun block, bug spray and personal hygiene products, including hand sanitizer.
- Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
- Don’t hike alone and always have some way to communicate such as a cellphone.
- Wear proper outdoor attire for hiking, especially sturdy tennis shoes or boots rather than light sandals or flip-flops.
- Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads.
- If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point. If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas or any other area that is not a designated parking spot. All violators will be cited.
- Consider visiting the parks during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings to avoid the biggest crowds. If a park is busy,, find another nearby state park that is less populated.
- Don't transport firewood; buy it locally.
- Be respectful of other park visitors when camping, especially at night.
- "Carry In, Carry Out”—please pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park. Campers should not burn trash in the campfires as trash can contain toxic substances such as plastics or chemicals.
- Check the DNR website for all of the latest closures.
- If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. You can purchase one by visiting gooutdoorsiowa.com, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your smartphone through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also purchase your fishing license at some local retailers.
Paddling Safety
Whether it be tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams. Stay safe each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:
- Always wear your life jacket. Kids under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
- Know your river conditions before you go paddling. For the latest river conditions, contact Iowa DNR Customer Service at 515-725-8200 or your local county conservation board for updates.
- Let others know where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return.
- Avoid sandbar crowds and “rafting” up together. Tubers are reminded not to go in groups larger than 10 and don’t tie tubes to one another.
- Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler's map at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
- Find individual water trail maps, including access points at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures.
Bridge construction on I-80 over the Raccoon River is creating dangerous conditions for paddlers. Warning signs are posted at some of the river accesses. Paddlers are advised to avoid launching kayaks, canoes and tubes from the Puckerbrush Access in Dallas County. Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddling map to help you plan your paddling trip and avoid bridge construction areas.