With a number of recent drowning incidents in the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area and across the state, it’s important to remember basic summer recreational safety guidelines. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mandates that children ages 13 and younger have a life vest on while a boat is on the water. A floatable seat cushion or life preserver is also required on a boat that is 16 feet or longer.

DNR Conservation Officer Jeremy King tells Raccoon Valley Radio that almost every drowning can be prevented. He emphasizes how imperative it is to keep life vests organized and accessible on all watercraft, even if they are on board.

“A lot of folks, they might have them on board, but when I ask them where the life vests are, it’s honestly like an adult easter egg hunt. People start lifting up seats and they start going through places. Other people are shrugging their shoulders because maybe it’s the first time out on their boat or they’re out with some friends. That is one thing that should be paramount any time that you should go out with somebody or you got people on your vessel, on your boat. Make sure they all know the life vests are here and make sure they’re accessible.”

He recommends looking at the tags on all life vests for specifications on height and weight. To hear more on summer recreational safety, listen to King on today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.