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Water Safety Is Important For Everyone

 

Find out the conditions at Lake Red Rock: Water Level...inflow and outflow...temperature.
Lake information is courtesy of the Lake Red Rock staff and is taped every morning.
Phone (641) 828-7522

If you operate a watercraft, you need to know the following information before you navigate the waters of Lake Red Rock

What are Personal Watercraft?

Whatever type of personal watercraft you operate, keep in mind that it is still considered a boat, and subject to all boating laws and regulations. As the operator, you are required to know and follow the rules before getting out on the water.

Speed and Distance Laws
  1. Don't exceed 5 mph within 100 feet of any craft going 5 mph or less. Translation: Stay clear of stopped or slow moving boats.
  2. Keep a distance of 50 feet when both boats are going over 5 mph.
  3. Don't exceed 10 mph within 300 feet of shore.
Registration

All personal watercraft must be registered for the current year, and the operator must carry the registration on the watercraft at all times.

Passenger Capacity

The watercraft's passenger capacity must be displayed on the starboard side towards the stern of the boat. This number includes a skier pulled behind a boat. A skier is considered a passenger.

Age of Operator

It is unlawful to let anyone under 12 years of age operate a motorboat or personal watercraft which is propelled by a motor more than six horsepower unless he or she is accompanied by a responsible person at least 18 years of age who is experienced in motorboat operation.

Pulling a Skier

A watercraft must have a manufacturer passenger capacity of at least three or "Operator's Responsibility" (OR) designation to be able to pull a skier. An observer is required on board in addition to the operator and skier.

Fire Extinguisher(s)

If the boat's motor is ten horsepower or more, a B-1 fire extinguisher is required on board. A fixed fire extinguisher is required on board. A fixed fire extinguisher in the machinery space is also permissible.

Personal Floatation Devices

While underway on a recreational vessel on any Iowa waters, a child under 13 years old must wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.  For anyone using a vessel, a Type I, II, or III Personal Floatation Device (PFD), or life jacket, is required on board for each passenger. A type IV life preserver should also be on board vessels 16 feet in length and over. A Type III vest must be readily accessible by all persons using a personal watercraft. 

Life Jackets Float!
You Don't!
So Wear It !!
BEFORE YOU NEED IT!

When you boat on Lake Red Rock, we wish you a safe and enjoyable ride. Know the rules, be careful and have a good time. If you have any questions or would like a copy of the entire list of Iowa's Boating Regulations, contact an Iowa DNR Conservation Officer, Corps of Engineers Park Ranger, or stop by the Visitor Center on the south side of the Lake Red Rock Dam.

Operators must recognize and obey all buoys
No boats and no wake buoys

 

Links to More Water Recreation at Lake Red Rock

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