DES MOINES - The warmer temperatures, favorable weather forecast and a long holiday weekend will send tens of thousands of boaters to Iowa waters for pleasure boating, sailing and fishing. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging boaters to be prepared for crowded ramps and heavy boat traffic by reviewing boating rules and to practice safe boating.

"We are expecting our water patrols to be extremely busy this weekend," said Lowell Joslin, chief of the Iowa DNR's law enforcement bureau. "We will have officers and patrols out all weekend to offer boater assistance, help with a fishing report, and to enforce our boating laws."

Joslin said boaters should go through their boat before they leave the driveway to make sure all lights work, safety equipment is on board, and everyone onboard has a properly fitting life jacket. 2005 is also a registration year, so make sure to have the new sticker in place, he said.

"Boaters need to have patience and to watch their speed, not only this weekend but during the boating season," Joslin said.

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