by Mike Moen
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Minnesota News Connection) – Memorial Day weekend is the start of recreational boating season in Minnesota. State officials are encouraged by recent trends in keeping people safe on the lakes, and they hope pending permit requirements spur more awareness.
If you plan to take your watercraft out this weekend, the Department of Natural Resources reminds you to have enough life jackets on board and make sure everyone is wearing them. Be mindful of the wakes your boat creates, so paddlers and swimmers aren’t overtaken by them.
Lisa Dugan, the DNR’s recreation safety outreach coordinator, said boating-related fatalities have been historically low the past two seasons.
“Hopefully,” she said, “it’s a sign that just the safety behavior on boats is becoming more common.”
Dugan said now is also a good time to get ready for a new state law that begins July 1. It’ll require both adults and youths who operate motorboats to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit. There are some exemptions, but in addition to a fee, the law includes a boater safety course and exam. More details are on the DNR’s website.
A lot of sunshine is forecast for Minnesota this weekend, but Dugan warned that because the state is coming off a cool and rainy period, lake temperatures haven’t caught up yet.
“Making safety part of your planning before you go out, and dressing in layers,” she said. “Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature, with the cold water.”
While coasting along a lake or river, Dugan also warned boaters to look out for debris left by recent rainstorms. She noted water levels could be a little higher, leading to faster currents. Not only does that make it harder to steer the watercraft in certain situations, but it’s also harder to see any hazards below the surface.
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