Proposed six new Iowa water safety legislation initiatives. A tougher penalty for leaving the scene of a boat accident was by passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor. Became effective July 1, 2006.
Organized an Aquatic Invasive Species program to prevent AIS from entering the Iowa Great Lakes. Three additional DNR Water Patrol Officers were hired to educate boaters on how to prevent the transportation of Invasive Species. The new officers were stationed at the busiest boat ramps during the busiest hours of usage.
Participated and assisted in a public discussion of a nighttime boat speed limit proposed by the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Lakes Improvement Corporation. A 25 MPH nighttime speed limit was approved by the DNR on March 9, 2006.
Provided part of the funds to equip the Arnolds Park – Okoboji Water Rescue and Dive Team with additional float coats.
Organized and launched a Spirit of America hands-on Youth Water Safety Education Program for seventh graders in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Camp Foster YMCA is the SOA program facilitator. Okoboji and Spirit Lake schools participated this year. Other schools will be added in 2007.
Provided Personal Flotation Devices to Iowa Lakeside Laboratory for youth educational programs. PFD’s donated by BoatUS Foundation.
Performed a test of a flashing hazard navigation buoy prior to recommending the installation of lighted buoys for all hazard navigation buoys on the Iowa Great Lakes.
