DES MOINES – The Fourth of July holiday weekend draws thousands of people to Iowa state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers. Follow these tips and precautions to keep you, your friends and family safe this holiday weekend.
Beach & Swimming Safety
Water is refreshing and fun, but it’s essential to know how to stay safe in and around water to prevent accidental drownings. Stay safe wherever you choose to swim, whether it's a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool.
- Keep a close eye on others, especially children. Assign a designated adult to watch over children, and never assume someone else is watching them. Be close enough to touch the child at all times. Even in ankle deep water, the current can be strong enough to sweep you off your feet and out into deeper water.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Avoid swimming or wading in rivers.
- If you haven’t swam in a long-time, refresh your abilities. All children should learn to swim with formal lessons.
- Always wear a life jacket. Make sure kids wear their life jackets before getting in the water.
- Avoid alcohol while swimming.
- Stay within the roped-in area of the lake.
- Obey posted signs and flags.
- Learn how to perform CPR. If you are already certified, learn the latest techniques and refresh your skills by recertifying. Check with your local hospital, workplace or doctor’s office for training opportunities.
- Take a water bottle with you and keep it nearby throughout the day. It's easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you're active and sweating.
- Note that
- Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
- Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
- Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
- Pets are prohibited on beaches.
Boating Safety
- Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boating.
- 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.
- File a float plan with a friend, including your destination, expected time of return and type of boat.
- Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Kids under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is underway. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
- Check for open ramps or water hazards before heading out.
- Before leaving the house, check the trailer lights, wheel bearings and the hitch.
- Make sure there is a current fire extinguisher and horn/whistle, a wearable life jacket for everyone and a USCG approved throwable device onboard.
- Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft, have patience.
- 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 help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species to new water bodies.
- Take a boater education course. Iowa law requires any person 12-17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over ten horsepower or a personal watercraft, to successfully complete the education program.
State Park and Forest Campground Safety
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times to visit a state park as people enjoy beaches and outdoor activities in the summer sun.
- Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products to bring along for hiking and other recreational activities in state parks. Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Pack bug spray and sunscreen.
- Keep pets on leashes.
- Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads.
- Share the trail – be aware of hikers, bikers and equestrians when using multi-use trails. Bikers yield to hikers and horseback riders. Give plenty of space and communicate your presence to keep everyone safe.
- 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, along roadways or any other area that is not a designated parking lot. Violators will be cited.
- If a park is busy, consider visiting a nearby state park that is less populated. Or visit the park during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings.
- "Carry In, Carry Out”—pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park.
- Don't transport firewood; buy it locally. Burn all the firewood at your campsite rather than leaving it or transporting it to a new area.
- Use designated fire rings or grills, and fully extinguish fires when done. Don’t burn trash.
- Be respectful of your neighbors camping around you. Keep noise levels low, especially at night.
- Check the DNR website for current alerts and closures.
- If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters. You can purchase one by visiting: https://gooutdoorsiowa.com/, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your mobile device through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also buy your fishing license at some retailers in your area.
Paddling Safety
Whether it be tubing, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams. Many new paddlers are getting out on the water for the first time this summer.
- Always wear your life jacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway. Iowa law requires life jackets on every watercraft, whether it’s a motorized boat, jet ski, kayak, canoe, or even a paddleboard.
- Never paddle rain swollen rivers, rapids or streams that are at or near flood stage.
- Paddle with a group, not by yourself.
- Tell a friend or loved one where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.
- Know and understand your river levels and flows, as well as the weather forecast.
- Avoid swimming, wading, paddling or boating near low-head dams. Often difficult to see from upstream, low-head dams have deadly recirculating currents. Watch for warning signs, listen for rushing water, and get out and scout when in doubt.
- Learn about and study your route in advance. Know where your take-out access is located, how many river miles downstream, and how long it is going to take to get there.
- Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler's map 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. Bridge construction projects across Iowa could close some sections of rivers this summer.
- Bring along a dry bag with a set of extra clothes you can change into if you get wet, a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio.
- Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear light, loose fitting clothing that dries quickly. Wear a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
- Find individual water trail maps, including access points at iowadnr.gov/water-trail-maps.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are a spectacular and traditional way to celebrate the Fourth of July.
- Fireworks are strictly prohibited in state parks; only sparklers are allowed.
- Fireworks can cause serious burns and eye injuries. The Iowa Department of Public Health encourages families to make sure an adult supervises fireworks and keeps young children from playing with or igniting them.
- Keep fireworks pointed away from you and others when igniting them, and back up quickly after lighting. If fireworks don’t ignite or burn fully, don’t try to relight them or pick them up. Keep a bucket of water or hose on hand to respond to a fire or mishap.
- If you have asthma or other lung impairments, be aware of air quality conditions following firework shows, which can temporarily emit smoke and small particulates in the air, impacting breathing.
- Pick up litter and dispose of any unused fireworks in a safe manner.