Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Wherever your Labor Day travels take you, 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 you, your friends and family 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. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
• Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol. The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
• File a float plan with a friend, including your 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 ten 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