Purchased and installed a WeatherNET weather station at the Gull Point Lake Patrol Station to generate real time weather information on the WSC website. This installation also includes an Internet camera with pan, tilt, and zoom lens to provide a variety of West Okoboji views.
Purchased a Lake Patrol boat to be used by the DNR on the Okoboji interconnected lakes. The boat is equipped with a special two-way radio that includes channels for police, fire, rescue, ambulance, state radio and marine safety channels.
Purchased a laptop computer and projector to be used in presenting water safety courses.
Designed and printed 8,000 four-color water safety brochures with Iowa Great Lakes information. They are distributed through local marinas, resorts, boat ramps, Spirit Lake Mainsail, and the Maritime Museum. Funding support received from the National Water Safety Congress.
Launched a “Life Jackets for Kids” program in conjunction with three local marinas with the sponsorship of the BoatUS Foundation.
Replaced the boater information signs at the bridges between East and West Lake Okoboji with a contribution from the University of Okoboji Tennis Classic.
Placed Carbon Monoxide warning signs at boat ramps, through a grant from the BoatUS Foundation, warning boaters of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Placed “Boat Noise Law Enforced” signs at the walking bridge between East and West Okoboji, boat ramps, and marinas.
Purchased eight types of specialized Personal Flotation Devices for demonstration at water safety training classes. Funding support received from the National Water Safety Congress.
Sponsored boater safety-training courses in partnership with the DNR and the Iowa Lakes Community College – at four locations. Person’s age 12-17 that pass the test will receive their Iowa certification to operate a PWC on Iowa waters. (The Iowa certificate is valid in most states with similar PWC or boater certification requirements.)