Minnesota DNR Provides Boating Safety Tips Ahead Of Holiday Weekend

May 24, 2024

Emma Propp,

MINNESOTA — Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of recreational boating season, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to make sure everyone stays safe out on the water.

The DNR has 5 conservation officers around the state whose role is to ensure waterways are safe. That includes one in Duluth as well. Before taking the boat out they ask you remember these safety tips:

Always have a life jacket, don’t just bring it, wear it.
Check your safety equipment, that’s carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights.
Lastly, don’t bring alcohol on the water. It is the single greatest factor in fatal boating accidents and it’s illegal.

“So, alcohol out on the water is an extreme concern for us, safety issue. We recommend that you leave it on shore. That’ll help ensure that not only yourself, but your friends and family have a safe weekend out on the water,” said Lt. Eric Sullivan, Supervisor of the Marine Unit for the Minnesota DNR.

The Minnesota DNR also offers a boating guide for those to brush up on the rules.