Reminders for boaters, swimmers ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– With Memorial Day right around the corner, Indiana Conservation Officer Max Winchell said state parks are sure to see a busy weekend.

While he’s excited for the traffic– it also comes with necessary reminders to keep people safe.

“We have 45-50 drownings per year around the state, recreational type drownings,” he said. “It’s important to remember that on DNR properties you can swim in authorized areas. The beachfront is one of the areas that’s authorized for swimming, or in a reservoir from a boat in an idle zone.”

Another important step is making sure you have everything you need before you hit the water. Winchell said making sure everyone has a life jacket is a crucial step to ensure safety, and the sooner you double check the better.

“I would just remind people to make sure they take the time to go through your boat, make sure it’s operating properly, you have your registration and a life jacket that fits every person on board. Make those plans ahead of time so you have a good boating weekend,” he said.

If the weather is nice, the water can get crowded too– so he said to always be a defensive driver when behind the wheel to keep others, and your family and friends, safe.

“The best advice is just to slow down,” he said. “Don’t try to speed through and thread a needle to try and get through an area too quickly. Just slow down and back off the throttle.”

Winchell also said conservation officers will be watching for intoxicated boaters as well– so make sure you are sober if you are the one driving.

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