(INDIANA) - Indiana Conservation Officers are urging Hoosiers to make water safety a priority as Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer boating season.
Conservation officers are encouraging families and outdoor enthusiasts to discuss water safety before heading out and to let someone know where they are going and when they expect to return.
Officials also recommend boating or swimming with a buddy, avoiding flooded or fast-moving waterways and closely supervising children around water.
One of the most important safety measures is wearing a properly fitted life jacket. Conservation officers advise using U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets that are in good condition and sized appropriately for the wearer. Inflatable life jackets are also available for activities such as boating, fishing and paddling.
Boaters are encouraged to check water levels and conditions before launching and to reduce speed in unfamiliar areas. Officials say paying attention to conditions can help prevent accidents and reduce shoreline erosion.
Conservation officers are also emphasizing the importance of sober boating.
Officials noted that alcohol can impair balance, coordination, judgment and reaction time. They said those effects can be intensified by sun exposure, wind and wave action.
Operating a motorboat or personal watercraft while intoxicated is illegal in Indiana. State law defines intoxication as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
Conservation officers said practicing safe habits throughout the summer can help prevent tragedies and make time on Indiana waterways safer for everyone.