Photo from DNR website
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters and other recreationists to practice safe and courteous behavior as waterways are expected to be especially busy around the Fourth of July holiday.
The DNR encourages everyone to wear a life jacket, use an engine cut-off device when equipped, and avoid alcohol while on the water. Boaters are also urged to be mindful of their wake by staying at least 200 feet from shorelines and other watercraft to help reduce safety risks, shoreline erosion, and impacts on wildlife habitat.
Officials also remind boaters to stay alert, avoid distractions, and help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning watercraft, draining all water, removing drain plugs during transport, and disposing of unwanted bait in the trash.
The DNR says public water access sites are expected to be crowded and encourages boaters to prepare before launching and be courteous to others.
The agency also reminds Minnesotans that beginning July 1, anyone age 12 or older who was born after June 30, 2000, must have a watercraft operator’s permit to operate most motorboats and personal watercraft under Minnesota’s boater education law.
More information can be found on the DNR’s website.
