DNR Issues Boating Safety Reminder

Labor Day weekend historically marks the end of the recreational boating season in Indiana. Officers with the DNR Law Enforcement Division want it to be a safe one.

Both open water drownings and boating while intoxicated incidents are down significantly from 2014, according to officials. Last year 59 people drowned, compared to 31 so far this year, and 133 people were arrested for boating while intoxicated. To date only 61 people have been charged statewide.

DNR officials say continuing to wear a life jacket while on the water and designating a driver will ensure those numbers remain steady through the holiday weekend.