With Memorial Day weekend nearly here, Indiana Conservation Officers remind Hoosiers to make water safety a priority throughout the summer.
“Water is unpredictable, and a few smart choices can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe,” said Capt. Jet Quillen.
Here are some basic water safety tips:
- 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.
- Stay away from flooded or fast-moving waterways.
- Wear a life jacket.
- Keep a watchful eye on children.
- Avoid alcohol.
When you go boating, boat safely by assessing water levels before going out and monitor your speed. Reduce speed in unfamiliar areas and be aware of unusual water conditions, especially compared to the size and type of your boat. These boating guidelines not only can keep you safe, they also can also help prevent beach erosion.
Designate a sober boat operator. Alcohol consumption causes impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction time. Wave action, sun exposure, and wind can magnify these effects. It is illegal to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Indiana while intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs. Indiana law defines alcohol intoxication as having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater.
Each life jacket should be United States Coast Guard approved, in good working condition, and an appropriate size for the wearer. Today’s 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.
To learn more about boating education and safety, see on.IN.gov/boatered.
Lane closures, traffic pattern shift to impact I-70 in both directions in Vigo County
Take a ride in aviation history in Terre Haute this weekend
Know Now! available for safety messages in Vermillion County
FSSA to text HIP members about HIP work requirements
South Vermillion among Student Advisory Committee Grant recipients announced
Initial report of possible plane crash prove untrue; no injuries in Wednesday incident
Deadline is Wednesday for Indiana reserved hunt applications
Concerts, cancellations announced for Indiana State Fair performances
Canoe rental bus - Jeep crash with multiple injuries Friday
World Food Championships introduces the WFC Culinary Combine at Indianapolis this fall
Ivy Tech Terre Haute / Greencastle to enhance dual enrollment with local foundation grants
Monday declared Air Quality Action Day across Indiana with changing weather pattern on horizon
U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts fraud forum, announces creation of fraud task force in Southern District of Indiana
