Photo Courtesy of Iowa DNR

A representative from the Department of Natural Resources speaks on boating procedures to consider before hitting the water for the holiday weekend.

Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Dustin Eighmy, who represents Dallas County, highlights that many people will be taking their boats out this weekend for Memorial Day and advises to double check functions on the boat to ensure it’s operational. 

He mentions to confirm things like a good battery, fire extinguishers, and life jackets. Eighmy says one of the most common mistakes he sees on the water is people not having enough life jackets or not putting them on children under the age of 13. Eighmy stresses the importance of wearing life jackets properly.

“Just having enough life jackets isn’t enough, it’s making sure that you have those life jackets that fit those people properly and that they are U.S. Coast Guard approved.”

Eighmy reiterates that the state of Iowa requires children under the age of 13 to be wearing a life jacket when the boat is moving.