Local News

Water Patrols Prepare For Worst With 3-Day Weekend

LAKE MINNETONKA, Minn. (WCCO) ― With a three-day holiday weekend, gas prices keeping people closer to home and nice weather, the Hennepin County Water Patrol said there will be thousands of people on Lake Minnetonka this Fourth of July.

"It's our busiest weekend. Once ice is out this is what we build for," said Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Lt. Kip Carver. "I'd be surprised if something didn't happen."

His deputies will be out in full force this weekend issuing warnings, watching speeds and arresting people for boating while intoxicated.

For the most part, the drinking laws on the road apply on the water. A boat operator's blood alcohol level cannot be above 0.08. First time offenders who are convicted are subject to a $1,000 fine, possible jail time and loss of their motorboat privileges for 90 days during the boating season.

Two weeks ago, the water patrol arrested seven people for BWI. They seized three boats in the more serious cases.

Long-time boater Paul Morales expects the lake to be especially crowded this weekend.

"It means you have to be really, really cautious. You have to drive defensively because there are a lot of people who come out and trailer they boats and don't really know the rules of the road," he said.

Morales will be out on the boat all with his friends all weekend long. The McCoy family will too. They'll camp at a friend's cabin and fish.

Jimmy McCoy said he'll wear his lifejacket when he's in the boat. Anyone under 10 is required to do so.

"I can swim. My brother can. My dad can. But you never know what can happen out there. You can hit your head or something," he said.

The water patrol recommends that everyone wears a lifejacket near the water. They call it a second chance to live. Earlier this summer, they started a program called Keep Kids Floating. Any child can borrow a lifejacket while they're on the water and return it when they are finished.

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