With the Memorial Day weekend here, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds all who plan to enjoy Lake Red Rock and other rivers, lakes, or streams, of the importance of practicing safe, sensible, and thoughtful activities in and around the water.

Park Ranger Tracy Spry strongly encourages people of all ages to practice water safety this summer. Spry also reminds those that plan on boating at the lake this weekend that life jackets are required for every person that is on-board.

“For everybody on board you need to have a life jacket that fits them, that’s the proper size and condition, and the proper type of jacket for their sport. So, if you are planning to do some jet skiing or tubing with someone on board, they have to have the right type of jacket that’s meant to be speed rated for if they fall off the watercraft that’s going to stay on them in case of that. If for some reason you have an extra person come along that you’re not planning on, and you need an extra jacket, we do have life jacket loaner stations that are available for free at the Corps of Engineers’ managed ramps at Lake Red Rock. We have sizes infant, youth, child, and adult.”

Hear more from Tracy Spry about boating and camping safety on Friday’s In Touch with South Central Iowa.