(Radio Iowa) – The Labor Day weekend was expected to be a busy one on the state rivers and lakes. D-N-R boating law coordinator, Susan Stocker, says it has been a safe summer for boating, in part because high water kept some of the boats at the dock. “It was Fourth of July, before or after, before the Mississippi River or areas were able to support boating. So it’s been from a safety aspect, it’s it’s been a safer season,” she says.

Stocker hopes everyone makes sure the end of the season is safe as well by not drinking and driving a boat and following all the rules. “Make sure you’re always have a wearable life jacket for each person. And of course, it’s a fabulous idea if you’re going to wear it,” she says, “because similar to seat belts, you know, we never know when you’re going to get into a boating accident on the water or and so wearing a life jacket is very, very important. And reminder for all of the young people that are under the age of 13, they have to actually wear the life jacket.”

DNR Water Patrol boat

Those who take a canoe or kayak out one last time will also want to scout their route. “We have an interactive paddlers map on our D-N-R web page, under things to do, canoeing, kayaking, where to paddle,” Stocker says. “And so we’ve got updated interactive map that’ll tell you where you’ve got some construction, where you’ve got some conditions that are dangerous.”

Stocker says high water has left debris in some areas and there’s also erosion on shores. So be sure to check things out whether you are boating or on the water in a kayak or canoe.