Open water on Minnesota’s lakes means boating season. And the DNR and sheriff departments want to keep everyone safe while their enjoying Minnesota’s lakes. Last year 14 people died while boating and the DNR says a little preparation could have saved lives.

Crow Wing County Sheriffs office says they’ll be on Minnesota’s waters making sure boaters are being safe. They say most boat stops are from going too fast through a no wake zone and passengers riding in unsafe spots.

One of the biggest causes for accidents on the water is boating while intoxicated. And sheriffs say being drunk on the water could be more dangerous than being drunk on the roads.

The other major cause of boat accidents is inattentive drives. Sheriffs remind boaters two have at least two people in the boat while pulling a tube or water skier. One two watch the recreator and the other to watch the water.

By — Lakeland PBS

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