DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is warning against water activities like paddling, canoeing or kayaking this Memorial Day weekend.
Though the holiday typically signals the start of summer and is best spent afloat, DNR river programs outreach coordinator Todd Robertson said Iowa's recent severe weather has made conditions too unsafe for festivities.
"What the weather did with all this rain is it raised the water levels, and then it washed all kinds of debris in from off the bank. And it also took down some trees that were starting to erode and fall into the river anyway," Robertson said. "So what it's done is it's gathered a bunch of wood in the river. And that's a killer."
Robertson told Local 5 the speed of the river, increased flooding and lots of debris is a recipe for disaster -- even for the most experienced adventurer.
"People need to approach it with a lot of caution. They need to understand the river, they need to know what it's doing — the river conditions, what the level is. They need to know their river," he said. "They need to have been on it before."
Another factor to consider is temperature. Iowa hasn't had the needed sunny days to warm up the river adequately, which could lead to hypothermia if boaters and swimmers aren't properly equipped.
If you have to go in a river or lake this weekend, Robertson recommends checking up on all your gear, as it's likely sat unused over winter.
"It's very important that you do some kayak and canoe inspections. Look over your your life jackets, make sure all the buckles and zippers are there, make sure no mice have been tearing into the lifejacket and making a home," he said.
To review Iowa's rules and regulations for canoeing, kayaking and more, click here.
"We know you want to go have fun. We do too. We just want you to be safe," Robertson added.