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Whatever those Labor Day plans entail, fun and adventure awaits at Iowa state parks and forests, beaches, rivers and lakes. Pack a picnic, grab the tackle box and savor the final moments of summer.
Follow these tips and precautions to keep safe this holiday weekend.
• Boating Safety
Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board. Iowa law requires life jackets on every watercraft, whether it's a motorized boat, jet ski, kayak, canoe or even a paddleboard.
Remain alert, slow down and watch for other boaters, swimmers, skiers, debris or other obstacles in the water.
Alcohol and boating don't mix. Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol. The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle.
File a float plan with a friend, including the destination, expected time of return and type of boat.
Make sure there is a fully charged fire extinguisher and horn/whistle, a wearable life jacket for everyone, a USCG approved throwable device and a stocked first aid kit onboard.
Check for open ramps or water hazards before heading out.
Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
Take a boater education course. Iowa law requires any person 12-17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft, to successfully complete the education program.
Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid the spread of invasive species.
• Beach & Swimming Safety
Keep a close eye on others, especially children. Assign a designated adult to watch over children, and never assume someone else is watching them. Be close enough to touch the child at all times. Even in ankle deep water, the current can be strong enough to sweep someone out into deeper water.
Swim with a buddy.
Avoid swimming or wading in rivers.
Refresh swimming abilities. All children should learn to swim with formal lessons.
Always wear a life jacket. Make sure kids wear their life jackets before getting in the water.
Learn how to perform CPR.
Take a water bottle along and keep it nearby throughout the day. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun.
Avoid alcohol use while swimming. Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches. Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
Stay within the roped area of the lake.
Obey posted signs and flags.
Iowa's public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
Check for bacteria levels at state park beaches at: programs.iowadnr.gov/aquia/Programs/Beaches
• State Park and Forest Campground Safety
Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products to bring along for hiking and other recreational activities. Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Pack bug spray and sunscreen.
Keep pets on leashes.
Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads.
Share the trail - be aware of hikers, bikers and equestrians when using multi-use trails. Bikers yield to hikers and horseback riders. Give plenty of space and communicate your presence to keep everyone safe.
If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point. If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas, along roadways or any other area that is not a designated parking lot. Violators will be cited.
If a park is busy, consider visiting a nearby state park that is less populated.
“Carry In, Carry Out"--pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park.
Don’t transport firewood; buy it locally.
Use designated fire rings or grills, and fully extinguish fires when done. Don't burn trash.
Be respectful of neighbors camping nearby. Keep noise levels low, especially at night.
Check the Department of Natural Resources website for current alerts and closures.
Planning to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters.
• Paddling Safety
Always wear a life jacket.
Never paddle rain swollen rivers, rapids or streams that are at or near flood stage.
Paddle with a group, not alone.
Tell a friend or loved one the route and expected time of return.
Know and understand river levels and flows, as well as the weather forecast.
Avoid swimming, wading, paddling or boating near low-head dams. Often difficult to see from upstream, low-head dams have deadly recirculating currents. Watch for warning signs, listen for rushing water and get out and scout when in doubt.
Learn about and study the route in advance. Know where the take-out access is located, how many river miles downstream and how long it is going to take to get there.
Check the Iowa DNR's interactive paddler’s map for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
Bring along a dry bag with a set of extra clothes to change into, a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio.
Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear light, loose fitting clothing that dries quickly. Wear a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
Find individual water trail maps, including access points at iowadnr.gov/watertrailmaps.