DES MOINES - Iowa waters are getting busy as summer heat sends people to beaches, rivers and lakes to cool off and to recreate. With the peak of the boating season less than two weeks away, Iowa boaters are encouraged to brush up on their skills and to practice safe, defensive boating.

One area where boaters get into trouble is when they operate the boat too fast for the conditions. When pulling a water skier or tuber, know the person's skill level and keep the boat speed in check.

"We are seeing injuries happen to people when they fall off the tow tubes at a high rate of speed. People are damaging their ear drums and we are finding cases of temporary paralysis because of neck injuries," said Rod Slings, recreation safety program supervisor with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

With the increase in traffic, boat ramps will become congested as people try to get in and out of the water. Practice good boat ramp etiquette. Prepare the boat for launching away from the ramp. "When you're on the ramp, be ready to cast off. Don't tie up the ramp. Have patience," Slings said.

Boaters need to keep an eye on the sky as well. Weather conditions can change quickly and turn a nice day into a dangerous situation.

"Don't wait until the last minute to get off the water, because you are going to find a logjam at the boat ramp, and that is where a lot of boaters get into trouble," Slings said.

Review the handbook of Iowa boating laws and responsibilities and be aware of any special regulations pertaining to boating on the body of water.

Required equipment includes a sounding device if the boat is 16 feet or longer, lights, a fire extinguisher if the motor is 10 horsepower or larger. There must be a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, free from tears with all straps in place, for each person on board, and a throwable floatation device for boats l6 feet and longer. All this equipment must be in servicable condition.

Equipment nice to have includes an anchor and plenty of rope, a paddle, a first aid kit, cell phone, extra short lines for tying up the boat, a tow line (could be the anchor rope). Boat fenders to protect the boat, the dock and passengers when moored, a map for the lake, compass, flashlight and sunscreen. It would also be nice to have a spare tire for the boat trailer.

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