The Department of Natural Resources has released results of an enforcement effort last weekend on some of Iowa’s busiest waterways. Susan Stocker is a boating safety expert with the Iowa D.N.R.
“Across the state, we had six boating while intoxicated arrests and 90 citations and warnings for various violations,” Stocker said. Those violations included possession of alcohol by a minor, failure to issue life vests and speeding.
The “Operation Dry Water” program involved 63 officers patrolling six waterways; Clear Lake, the Coralville Reservoir, Saylorville Reservoir, Big Creek in Polk County, the Des Moines River and a portion of the Mississippi River around east central Iowa. Stocker is hoping there are fewer boating while intoxicated arrests over the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend.
“We wish to send the message that boating and alcohol don’t mix,” Stocker said. “So, if you choose to have alcohol, make sure you have a sober driver to operate the boat.” The enforcement effort, which ran Friday through Sunday, was scheduled to include Lake Okoboji, but storms in the area kept boats off the water much of the weekend.