boating

Operation Dry Water, a national campaign aimed at deterring drinking and boating, will be in full force in Minnesota Friday, June 29 - Sunday, July 1. That means public safety agencies will increase patrols looking for intoxicated boaters.

As more and more people head out onto the water for boating season, it's the perfect time to brush up on boating safety and life jacket laws.

I'll be honest with you. I haven't always worn a life jacket. I've had one in the boat, but rarely did I actually wear one until I had a very close call one fishing opener.

Tim Hawkins described a time he went tubing on a lake in Minnesota at his friends cabin. He correctly (and hilariously), describes the tubing culture on Minnesota Lakes.

While everyone wants to get out and have fun this holiday weekend, it's important to do it safely.  The Minnesota DNR reminds everyone that boating while intoxicated is not only dangerous to you and those around you, but it's against the law and law enforcement will out in great force this weekend looking for intoxicated boaters.

Recently we were inspected for invasive species while putting our kayaks and my daughters Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Pike Lake.  This had previously happened with our fishing boat, but was surprised to find that they also checked kayaks.  Something caught our eye on the lake that raised the question of what they do and do not inspect.

Boating and fishing season will be in full swing before we know it.  While it's a great deal of fun, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to remind us that preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is everyone's personal responsibility.

Now that it's starting to feel a little more like spring, there will be boaters who are eager to hit the recently thawed lakes and rivers across the Northland.  It is a lot of fun, but the Minnesota DNR reminds boaters to be on the lookout for debris in the water and the potential for ice-damaged ramps at public water accesses.

The St. Louis River Experience gives free boating and nature experiences to many groups of people.  Seniors, veterans, people with special needs and youth.  They are a non-profit organization that makes these experiences free of charge.  The season is about to start and they are looking for volunteers to help make this possible.

I thought I would share this video, because I've seen it happen a few times.  This is why you don't unhook a boat before you get it in the water!

Many families will be out enjoying fourth of July festivities on Saturday.  For some, the securing of the Aerial Lift Bridge and the Minnesota Slip Bridge (also known as the blue foot bridge) will be a good thing, but for boaters, this is valuable information to know.

With the annual start of the boating season Memorial Day weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to follow the law and protect their waters from aquatic invasive species.