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Summer Heat Cranks Up Boat Traffic on Iowa Lakes
Posted: June 23, 2009

CLEAR LAKE - Summer has arrived in a hot way and is sending boaters to Iowa lakes in large numbers. Iowa lakes will likely resemble parking lots in the next week as Fourth of July festivities switch into high gear.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will increase its lake patrol presence to encourage safe boating and to increase awareness about boating while intoxicated.

"Boaters need to be aware that extra stressors like the wind, sun, and motor vibration actually can increase the effect of alcohol on the operator and passengers while on the water," said Ben Bergman, conservation officer for the DNR at Clear Lake. "Here at Clear Lake, we are working with a local business to promote safe and sober boat operation. The program allows those who identify themselves as boat operators, free non alcoholic beverages at P.M. Park, on the south side of the lake."

The Iowa DNR will be participating in Operation Dry Water on June 26 to 28, which is a national campaign of boating under the influence detection and enforcement to reduce the number of alcohol related accidents and fatalities, and to foster a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.

The DNR will also be promoting life jacket use and at Clear Lake, local businesses have donated t-shirts that law enforcement will had out to boaters caught wearing life jackets. The t-shirts, which say "I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket," were provided by Clear Lake Boats, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Bank and Trust and Theiss Shirts. Other "I Got Caught" efforts targeting children will be handed out across Iowa water bodies.

Bergman said he is seeing an increase in boat traffic on the lake, likely due to the approach of the holiday weekend and because the spring had been cool and wet. Since the boating season had been delayed somewhat, Bergman said boat operators should check their safety equipment before heading to the water.

Make sure the fire extinguisher is charged, life jackets are in good condition and there are enough for each person on board, look for the sounding device and make sure to have the current boat registration on board. Boaters should prepare for busy boat ramps and heavy lake use so courtesy and patience will be a hot commodity.

"This is the best time for boating because of the warmer weather," Bergman said. "Boaters who know the rules and the requirements have a good start to being a responsible operator."

Safety While Swimming
A near drowning at Clear Lake over the weekend has DNR lake patrol reminding swimmers to know their limitations. A man swam outside of the swim buoys at Clear Lake State Park and into deeper water where he became distressed. He was about 700 feet from shore when a person heard his cries for help and rescued the individual.

"Swimmers should stay within the swim buoys at all times, and I would recommend and encourage life jacket use to those who are jumping off anchored boats, docks or swimming at the beaches," said Ben Bergman, conservation officer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at Clear Lake. "Swimmers need to know the limits of their abilities."