Officials encourage boaters to use caution as Fourth of July approaches

With fatal boating incidents on the rise this year, officials are urging those who plan to hit the water this Fourth of July to be cautious.

According to records kept by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, there have already been six fatalities from boating-related incidents in the state this year. That's more than the total for any other year in the past three years. There have also been 10 boat incidents, 15 personal injuries and two cases of property damage this season.

Though no specific reason can be cited for the increase, Chief Deputy Park Ranger Randy Haas said warm weather brought people out on the water at least a month earlier than normal.

And because the boating season is far from over - and Fourth of July is one of the most crowded days out on the water -  officials said those who choose to go out on the water should plan ahead, drive cautiously, and ensure they have all the necessary safety equipment on board.

"It can be extremely crowded out here. People should drive defensively on the water too," Haas said. "Unlike highways there's no marked lanes and I would hazard to guess most people don't know the rules of the road on the water like who has the right of way and things like that so it's best to operate defensively – give way and slow down if you need to."

Though there haven't been any major accidents on Coralville Lake, Haas said.

The campgrounds are almost entirely full and they are expected to be full through the holiday and into next weekend which will make things busy out on the water. In order to reduce incidents, Haas said the lake will likely have more patrol boats out to monitor activity throughout the week.

But in order to stay safe, both Haas and boaters at Coralville Lake said people should try to leave alcohol out of their plans while out on the water.

"We don't do any drinking when we're out there and I think that's a big part of it," said Roger Morrison, 50, of West Liberty. "Half of (the incidents) are because people are out there partying."

Morrison said he also tries to come out to the lake during the week to avoid the weekend rush.

But if boaters choose to drink, Haas said all groups should choose a designated driver.

"The alcohol level for driving a boat is the same for operating a vehicle, and it's best with the heat, humidity, and constant sun bearing down, there's very, very few places you can go on the reservoir and find shade," Haas said. "It's best to take water and the drinks that have electrolytes and leave the alcohol on shore for when you go back later."

Forty-two-year-old Phil Baker of Kalona said he tries to prevent boating incidents by boating primarily on the less crowded, north end of Coralville Lake and by being alert to nearby boaters.

"The right of way is the way it's supposed to be but that doesn't happen, especially here, being such a narrow lake,"  Baker said. "I just drive very defensively and keep an eye on everybody coming at me."

In addition, Haas said boaters should be aware of

Iowa's rules and regulations for boating and double check to make sure they have all the necessary safety equipment on their boat before hitting the water. He also said people should have enough life jackets -- that fit appropriately -- for all their passengers, and check their engines before they go out on the water.