DNR reminds boaters about water safety after weekend drowning
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Many people are sure to be out on the water enjoying the Labor Day holiday Monday, but it’s important to remember to be safe while you’re out on the water.
Officers will likely be patrolling waterways like Geist Reservoir, Lake Monroe and Eagle Creek Reservoir Monday, because there will be more boaters than usual. The holiday comes after a death on the water this weekend.
The Department of Natural Resources said they found the body of 24-year-old Andrew Dimitroff Sunday, after he went missing in the water on Saturday. DNR said Dimitroff was not wearing a life jacket and they believe alcohol may have played a role in the incident.
Under Indiana law, boats should have a life jacket for every person on board.
DNR said most drowning victims they are are people over the age of 20, who are known as being “good swimmers.”
After the Dimitroff’s death, Conservation officers are again reminding people of the importance of wearing a life jacket, especially when drinking.
When patrolling the water, DNR typically checks to see if boaters have lifejackets on board, if they’re driving responsibly and if they’re staying sober.
Alcohol laws on the water are very similar to alcohol laws on the road. If you’re operating the boat, you cannot have a blood alcohol level of .08 or greater.
The most common violation DNR sees on holidays is usually going too fast in idle zones.