Boat Safety

   Iowa's peak boating season begins May 26 and with it comes a reminder about the boating laws, and preparations that need to be addressed before going onto the lakes. Susan Stocker is boating law administrator/education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  She says the reason behind doing the preboating preparations and following rules has is it will make for better results...

One of the big issues many forget is that there are boating operation laws as there is for driving a car, and one of the laws concerns alchol consumption, of which Stocker reminds has been made more strict last year...

In 2011, 54 boat operators were cited for boating while intoxicated.   Stocker says that officers will also perform routine safety equipment inspections. 

When planning a day on the lakes, Stocker says there are a couple other things that need to be checked out in advance...

   Boaters also need to remember they don't own the lakes and therefore need to respect the other boaters...

Iowa has nearly 229,000 registered boats.