Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Wherever your Labor Day travels take you, fun and adventure awaits at Iowa state parks and forests, beaches, rivers and lakes. Pack a picnic, grab the tackle box and savor the final moments of summer.
Follow these tips and precautions to keep you, your friends and family safe this holiday weekend.
Boating Safety
- Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board. Iowa law requires life jackets on every watercraft, whether it’s a motorized boat, jet ski, kayak, canoe, or even a paddleboard.
- Remain alert, slow down and watch for other boaters, swimmers, skiers, debris or other obstacles in the water.
- 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.
- Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol. The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
- File a float plan with a friend, including your destination, expected time of return and type of boat.
- Make sure there is a fully charged fire extinguisher and horn/whistle, a wearable life jacket for everyone, a USCG approved throwable device and a stocked first aid kit onboard.
- Check for open ramps or water hazards before heading out.
- Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
- Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Obey posted signs and flags.
- 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 Park and Forest Campground Safety
- Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products to bring along for hiking and other recreational activities. 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: www.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
- 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/watertrailmaps.