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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: SAFEReturn
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Eager paddlers need to take extra precautions to stay safe

Eager paddlers need to take extra precautions to stay safe

  • 4/12/2022 3:37:00 PM
  • View Count 1862
With recent warmer temperatures, restless paddlers are ready to put canoes and kayaks in the water. Early spring paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing wildlife, but extra precautions are needed to stay safe.
Spring is a great time for a boating education course

Spring is a great time for a boating education course

  • 3/15/2022 2:27:00 PM
  • View Count 1800
It may not feel like boating season yet, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with boating safety advocates nationwide, are urging boaters to enroll in a boating education course this spring.
Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

  • 1/4/2022 12:48:00 PM
  • View Count 4676
The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are ready to get out for the popular early ice fishing season
Safety first, during the shotgun seasons

Safety first, during the shotgun seasons

  • 11/16/2021 1:49:00 PM
  • View Count 3008
The long wait is almost over. For an expected 55-60,000 deer hunters, the shotgun deer seasons are right around the corner and before they head to the timber, it’s important that everyone go through their gear to make sure everything still fits and still works and takes time to review their hunting safety plan.
Duck hunters encouraged to use safe boating practices while on the water

Duck hunters encouraged to use safe boating practices while on the water

  • 10/26/2021 4:08:00 PM
  • View Count 2718
Duck hunters who hunt from a boat are encouraged to include boating safety as part of their hunting plan. Waterfowl hunters use boats on some of the coldest days of the year. Not only is the water deathly cold on these days, but the hunter is likely wearing enough layers to make themselves heavy and clumsy, and if they go into the water, they are in serious trouble.
Paddlers urged to stay off rain swollen rivers

Paddlers urged to stay off rain swollen rivers

  • 8/31/2021 11:44:00 AM
  • View Count 3142
Iowa streams are swollen and swift with consistent rainfall the past several days. Some rivers are already dangerously high, and more rivers could rise fast with chances of rain forecast this week.
Busy weekend expected on the water, boat operators advised to abstain from alcohol

Busy weekend expected on the water, boat operators advised to abstain from alcohol

  • 7/20/2021 11:38:00 AM
  • View Count 1353
With summer’s temperatures soaring to their highest of the season, Iowa’s lakes and reservoirs will be busy places as Iowans of all ages look to escape the heat. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding boaters to exercise safe boating practices and to have a designated boat operator who abstains from drinking alcohol.
Safety a main focus this Fourth of July holiday weekend

Safety a main focus this Fourth of July holiday weekend

  • 6/30/2021 1:16:00 PM
  • View Count 3219
DES MOINES – State and local law enforcement agencies will be focusing safety this Fourth of July holiday weekend as thousands are expected to travel across the state and recreate on Iowa’s natural resources.
Water safety heading into the warm Fourth of July weekend

Water safety heading into the warm Fourth of July weekend

  • 6/29/2021 1:20:00 PM
  • View Count 1935
JOHNSTON, Iowa – The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Polk County Health Department, Iowa State Patrol and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be available on Wednesday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lakeview Boat Ramp, located off NW Beaver Drive to provide water safety tips for Iowans heading into the Fourth of July weekend.
Paddlers encouraged to brush up on safety before hitting the water

Paddlers encouraged to brush up on safety before hitting the water

  • 6/8/2021 1:22:00 PM
  • View Count 3057
Iowa lakes and streams will soon be busy with paddlers eager to get on the water as summer is finally here. For many, it will be their first time out for the year, and experts advise they go through their equipment and review safety tips before heading to the water.
National Safe Boating Week is May 22–28: Three tips to make boating safer this season

National Safe Boating Week is May 22–28: Three tips to make boating safer this season

  • 5/18/2021 1:51:00 PM
  • View Count 2354
The nation’s largest recreational boating safety event of the year, National Safe Boating Week, is May 22–28, serves as a reminder to boaters to keep safety front and center all season long. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers three tips for boaters to be safety heroes on the water.
Eager paddlers need to take extra precautions to stay safe

Eager paddlers need to take extra precautions to stay safe

  • 4/6/2021 12:34:00 PM
  • View Count 3482
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers wait for warmer weather to allow the water temperatures to rise slowly. It could be several weeks before water temperatures are ideal and safe as water and air temperatures continue to change.
Spring is an excellent time for a boating education course

Spring is an excellent time for a boating education course

  • 3/23/2021 1:29:00 PM
  • View Count 2180
It may not feel like boating season yet, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with boating safety advocates nationwide, are urging boaters to KeepYourEdge by enrolling in a boating education course this spring.
Make the most of your winter hike

Make the most of your winter hike

  • 2/16/2021 4:01:00 PM
  • View Count 5458
Ready to get back on the trails once the cold snap lifts for some fresh air and excellent winter hiking in Iowa State Parks? Our park staff offers these tips to help you make the most of your snowy trek:
Stay safe on the ice this winter

Stay safe on the ice this winter

  • 1/26/2021 12:02:00 PM
  • View Count 2908
As Iowans head out on frozen water to their “go to” spot, the Iowa Department of Natural Resource (DNR) reminds everyone to beware of ice conditions and check ice thickness often. 
Safety tips for paddling in cold weather

Safety tips for paddling in cold weather

  • 1/12/2021 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 2227
Winter paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing winter beauty. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers wait for warmer weather to allow for warmer water and conditions.
Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

  • 12/15/2020 2:29:00 PM
  • View Count 3906
The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are ready to get out for the popular early ice fishing season.
Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

  • 12/15/2020 12:48:00 PM
  • View Count 1809
The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are ready to get out for the popular early ice fishing season.
Basic firearm rules are important for a safe hunt

Basic firearm rules are important for a safe hunt

  • 11/18/2020 6:43:00 AM
  • View Count 3588
The first of Iowa’s two shotgun deer seasons opens on Dec. 5, and while optimism for a successful hunt is the primary focus, hunters are encouraged to brush up on safe hunting practices.
DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

  • 7/1/2020 12:26:00 PM
  • View Count 4270
DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers. The DNR along with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Polk County Health Department are partnering to share some safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend.
DNR urges caution, safety on Iowa waters and beaches

DNR urges caution, safety on Iowa waters and beaches

  • 6/10/2020 10:51:00 AM
  • View Count 16811
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is urging everyone on Iowa waterways or at public beaches to use caution and exercise all safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable time.
DNR to host a series of dam safety webinars

DNR to host a series of dam safety webinars

  • 4/23/2020 2:17:00 PM
  • View Count 2933
DES MOINES - In May, the DNR’s Dam Safety program will host four free webinars covering how dams work, how to design and maintain a dam, and more.
Stay safe this spring fishing season

Stay safe this spring fishing season

  • 4/9/2020 10:40:00 AM
  • View Count 2462
As temperatures warm up this spring, many Iowans are wondering if they can still fish in light of the COVID-19 health emergency. The answer is yes, but be careful and responsible.
Staying safe during Iowa’s spring turkey seasons and spring fishing

Staying safe during Iowa’s spring turkey seasons and spring fishing

  • 3/24/2020 12:03:00 PM
  • View Count 12667
Protecting yourself during the COVID-19 national pandemic starts with following the guidance from our state and national health experts – maintain at least six feet between each other, wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, cover your cough, stay home if you feel sick and avoid groups of 10 or more people. These are unprecedented times and personal health and safety takes top priority.
DNR officials help rescue man in Lake Wapello

DNR officials help rescue man in Lake Wapello

  • 2/25/2020 7:40:00 AM
  • View Count 3455
DRAKESVILLE, Iowa – Iowa DNR officials helped rescue a man that had fallen through the ice at Lake Wapello in Davis County Monday night around 5:30.
Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

  • 11/19/2019 2:10:00 PM
  • View Count 3980
The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are starting to get out for the popular early ice fishing season.
Basic firearm rules are important for a safe hunt

Basic firearm rules are important for a safe hunt

  • 11/19/2019 2:07:00 PM
  • View Count 5233
The first of Iowa’s two shotgun deer seasons opens on Dec. 7, and while optimism for a successful hunt is the primary focus, hunters are encouraged to brush up on safe hunting practices.
Tomorrow’s trout stocking at Bacon Creek postponed

Tomorrow’s trout stocking at Bacon Creek postponed

  • 11/7/2019 3:10:00 PM
  • View Count 4052
SIOUX CITY – The trout stocking scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 8 at Bacon Creek has been postponed due to forecast low temperatures that could cause the lake to freeze and create unsafe ice and fishing conditions.
Paddlers urged to use caution on two popular river sections

Paddlers urged to use caution on two popular river sections

  • 7/30/2019 3:03:00 PM
  • View Count 3325
Paddlers need to use caution on the Raccoon River in Des Moines and Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County. Two natural hazards on Iowa rivers are reminders that river users need to stay aware, wear life jackets, and make safe decisions on the water.
How to choose the right life jacket

How to choose the right life jacket

  • 6/26/2019 1:41:00 PM
  • View Count 15594
Life jackets are a must for water safety, but finding the right fit can be tricky. Here’s some helpful tips in finding the right life jacket for you and your family: 
Caution advised as peak boating season approaches

Caution advised as peak boating season approaches

  • 6/25/2019 12:43:00 PM
  • View Count 3188
Traditionally, the 4th of July weekend is the busiest period on Iowa waters. Boating, paddling, fishing and swimming are even more popular with what are often the warmest temperatures of the year. When factoring in record rains this spring and many waterbodies at or above flood stage on top of increased use, it only makes sense to have a plan before you set out to make sure everybody stays safe.
Space available in upcoming hunter education classes

Space available in upcoming hunter education classes

  • 4/9/2019 12:06:00 PM
  • View Count 3304
Hunter Education Classroom courses are offered by knowledgeable and certified volunteer instructors and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers. Classroom courses are typically 12-15 hours in length and are held over 2 to 3 sessions (days). In order to receive certification, a student must attend all sessions and pass the final exam.
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