Melissa Dahl

Boating Safety Tips

• Always wear your life jacket - Minnesota state law requires all watercraft (including canoes and kayaks) to have one wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) on board and accessible for each person in the watercraft. The Coast Guard requires all children less than 13 years of age to wear a life preserver when in a recreational boat.
  
  
• All passengers should stay seated within the boat while the boat is moving. Riding on the bow or gunwale is prohibited!
  
  
• Know where you can re-fuel your boat.
  
  
• Don't drink & drive.  County Sheriff, U.S. Coast Guard staff and park rangers enforce laws prohibiting boat operations under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  
  
• Navigational charts are highly recommended.
  

Safe Boating Checklist

Plan on having a safe and enjoyable experience by making sure you have these items whenever boating in the park:

• A wearable life preserver readily accessible for each person
• Type IV throwable cushion or ring
• Navigational maps
• Navigation lights at night - use them!
• Whistle or horn
• Anchor, paddles or oars, and lines
• Spare propeller and shear pin
• Flashlight and first aid kit

Thinking of Drinking Lake Water?

Always treat lake water before using it for drinking or cooking.  Consider bringing water with you when camping in the park. Otherwise, use a high-quality water filter to remove potential contaminants.

Blue-Green Algae
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) advises the public to approach lake areas with blue-green algae blooms with caution. During the right conditions these blooms can be toxic to pets and harmful to people. A blue-green algae bloom looks like pea soup should be avoided. For detailed information visit the MPCA website.