INDIANAPOLIS – With summer here, Indiana Conservation Officers encourage boaters to prioritize water safety.
“All Hoosiers are urged to recognize the danger water poses and make water safety the utmost priority,” said Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Law Enforcement Capt. Jet Quillen.
Indiana Conservation Officers implore you to know the rules about boating safety. Reduce speed in unfamiliar areas and be aware of unusual water conditions. Regardless of your boat type, assess water levels before going out and monitor your speed.
Designate a sober boat operator. Alcohol causes impaired balance, blurred vision, poor judgment, and slower reaction time. It is illegal to operate a boat or personal watercraft in Indiana while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Intoxication means having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater.
Wear a newer life jacket designed to be lighter, less obtrusive, and more comfortable than in the past. Inflatable life jackets allow mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, or paddling, and can be much cooler in warmer weather than older-style life jackets.
Here is some basic boating safety advice:
- Discuss the dangers of water with your family and loved ones before going out
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return
- Go with a buddy
- Do not venture around flooded or fast-moving waterways
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Keep an extra watchful eye on children
- Avoid alcohol
These DNR safety tips are also important environmental considerations, as they can help prevent beach erosion. Learn more about boating education and safety here.
