THE WARDEN'S CORNER: STAY SAFE ON THE WATER

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Hi Folks, I am the Conservation Warden stationed in Three Lakes. During the summer months most of my time is spent patrolling area lakes for boating and fishing violations. Part of my job duties also includes the investigation of boating accidents in the area. Many people lose their lives to these accidents due to drowning from either not wearing or improperly wearing their life jackets. Many of these accidents are caused by inattentive or intoxicated driving. Statistics show that if you are involved in a boating accident where the operator of one of the boats has been drinking, it is likely that someone will die in that accident. Many of our fatal accidents involve small boats, small lakes, and occupants who did not wear life jackets. Canoes and kayaks are involved in many fatal accidents. Our investigations show that if you are wearing a life jacket and are involved in a boating accident, it is unlikely that you will become a statistic, even if knocked unconscious. Life jackets can be purchased for a minimal cost and are the most important item you can have with you on your boat and will save your life. Also, state law requires that a wearable lifejacket be on board for every occupant in the boat.

Our lakes can become congested and there are several rental boats as well as privately owned boats being operated by people with minimal experience. It is important to drive defensively, watch out for the other guy. The lakes are patrolled by both Conservation Wardens and boat patrols from police and local sheriff's departments. The goal of these patrols is to maintain a safe environment by informing operators of the rules, as well as checking various safety equipment before it is needed.

If your goal is to spend your time fishing it cannot be stressed enough to pick up a copy of our fishing regulations. Fishing regulations vary from state to state and in Wisconsin there are different regulations for different lakes. Make sure you know the regulations prior to wetting a line, it can be very easy to unintentionally get into trouble because you don't know the law. Good items to purchase would be a small tape measure, game fish have different size limits, if you have a fish in your possession that is not within the legal limits you can get into trouble. All fish that you catch that are not within the limits must be immediately released. If you are new to the sport of fishing, a good item is to pick up some sort of fish identification book or pamphlet, local DNR offices have these at no charge & they can be found on the internet. It is important to know what you are catching, some fish can be mistaken, to a new fisherman musky and northern pike look similar but the regulations and seasons are quite different.

There is a new problem that is being encountered, the spread of invasive species and the fish disease VHS. These invasive species can destroy a lake's fish habitat and make boating difficult or even impossible. We are seeing invasive species spreading into our lakes, it is believed that these invasives are spread from lake to lake while attached to boats, trailers and live wells. When you transport your boat from the lake remember to remove all weeds from your boat, motor & trailer, drain live wells, and clean the hull of your boat regularly. The area lakes are important not only to your enjoyment, but are important to our local economy as well. Local residents take this problem very seriously, there are volunteers at several landings that will assist you with the inspection of your boat and give you information to help stop the spread of invasives. Law enforcement will aggressively pursue these violations and take enforcement action.

If you have any questions or would like further information you may contact the Department of Natural Resources information line: 1-888-WDNR-INFo or www.dnr.wi.gov

Violations can be reported by calling 1-800-TIP-WDNR.

Be safe! Hope to see you on the water.

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