As boaters prepare to take on lakes and rivers across Iowa for the Fourth of July weekend, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has released information on how to keep boats in compliance with state law and passengers safe.

According to the DNR, motorboats should be registered through the county recorder and boaters under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by an adult or have completed a boater education course. Boaters under the age of 12 cannot operate motorboats without the supervision of an adult.

While on board, boaters are required to wear personal floatation devices such as life jackets for safety.

Alcoholic beverages on boats have the same regulations as land motor vehicles, with a blood alcohol level of .08 incurring a citation for Boating While Intoxicated. Drinking can be especially dangerous on the water due to the amplifying effects that water movement and the glare of sunlight on the water have on drunkenness.

When transporting boats, boat owners should double check their trailers to ensure that the lights and equipment are functioning properly before leaving home.