Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to get the boat out and head out onto the water, but steps should be taken to ensure a safe trip.

Lake Darling Park Ranger Zach Haworth says preparation is key. A good first step is to check the vessel and any related equipment, especially if it hasn’t been used in awhile, and replace any parts that are worn out or damaged. Once out on the water, Haworth suggests being courteous to other boaters or recreators in the area, maintaining distance and keeping yourself and others safe.

Haworth says he believes something that people should pay more attention to is the environmental factors in play, such as being out in the sun all day or drinking alcohol. He says dehydration is another thing to watch out for when enjoying area lakes and rivers, “It can be easy to get dehydrated when we’re out there on the water. Drinking plenty of water, and things of that nature. Again, those are just the things, I get, can be easily overlooked and a lot of times, it can be too late before you do notice the effects of those things.”

Along with drinking plenty of water, Haworth suggests finding proper shade and taking an occasional break from the sun. 

Boaters are also reminded Iowa state law requires all children under the age of 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while on a moving vessel. There must also be at least one USCG–approved wearable personal floatation device for each person on board.

Lake Darling has several options available for boaters of all kinds, including a new handicap-accessible kayak launch made possible through a donation to the Friends of Lake Darling by the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.