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More Than 300 Citations Issued For Paddlers Without Life Jackets

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reported they cited more than 300 paddlers on July 6 for not having life jackets. The paddlers included some in inner tubes, but the majority were in kayaks traveling between the Puckerbrush and Booneville Accesses on the Raccoon River in Dallas County. “It’s so important to have a life jacket on or at least available, as small paddling craft can easily tip and throw a paddler into the water,” says Conservation Officer, Nate Anderson. “If you are sitting on the life jacket instead of wearing it, it won’t be there when you really need it.” Authorities say they have seen a rise in incidents, with 47 percent of Iowa’s 19 boating deaths from 2016 through 2018 paddlers. So far this year, four of those who were not wearing life jackets have died. Iowa law requires a life jacket be on board all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when in a canoe, kayak or on a paddleboard.

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