Koochiching County Sheriff Brian Youso urges boaters to use good judgment and exercise safety while boating over the July 4th weekend.
The holidays usually brings more boat traffic, he said and urged people to wear life jackets and to be familiar with the personal flotation device requirements. Most boats 16 feet or longer are required to have a Type IV throwable device, usually a U.S. Coast Guard approved boat seat cushion. Youso notes that this is a common boating law violation, although the requirement has been around for 12 years in Minnesota.
Youso also urges people to use their lights. Avoid collisions by making sure your running lights are in working order before heading out to watch the fireworks, he notes.
Youso advises people to expect to see more boats pulling tubes and skiers. The most common cause for accidents is speed; too many people on the tube; towing more than one tube; and turning too closely to other boats, docks and land. Boaters should tow adults at no more that 20 miles per hour and kids at no more than 15 mph, advises Youso.
He also notes that high water levels have washed debris into the lakes and rivers. People should be very careful and watch for floating debris, he added.