Public boat ramps and fishing accesses are still open - stay safe and keep physical distance

While public boat ramps and fishing accesses are still open across Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters to abide by the physical distancing protocols recommended by the state to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Boat ramps have been crowded this past week with the warm weather. The DNR advises only one boat use a ramp at a time to help prevent contact with other boaters.

A day on the water could provide the calm people need right now. Boaters need to be sure to follow these recommendations to keep themselves and their family safe:

• Keep at least six feet of distance from other boaters and avoid popular areas where people congregate.
• Stick with immediate family, but keep groups to fewer than 10 people.
• Bring along hand sanitizer.
• Clean surfaces that others may have touched (e.g boat dock handrails) with wet wipes.