Posted Thursday, July 5, 2012 --- 11:46 a.m.

From the WDNR:

A conservation warden recreational enforcement team will patrol areas of Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River July 6 and 7 to help boat operators, passengers and other users stay safe while enjoying the water, a Department of Natural Resources official said today.

DNR Warden Supervisor Jeremy Plautz of the South Central Region says the Recreational Safety and Enforcement Team – also known as RSET – will patrol the popular lake which leads into the Rock River. The patrol primarily will be focused on the Rock County portion of the water bodies that rest in Dane, Rock and Jefferson counties. The patrol may cross over into Jefferson County.

“We plan to work these areas Friday and Saturday nights. Our focus is to ensure those enjoying the waterways are following safe boating practices. That means the use of life jackets, staying sober behind the wheel and operating at a safe speed,” Plautz said. “This area does have its navigational hazards with shallow patches and rocks that are more pronounced since the water level is low.”

The team will feature four conservation wardens who will work with local law enforcement officials for this special enforcement effort.
The DNR reminds boaters anyone born on or after 1989 is required to complete a boating safety course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters. DNR recreational safety specialists recommend all boat operators complete a safety course.

Unsafe boat operation and boating violations can be called into the DNR tipline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR.

To learn where to find the course, or complete it online, and to review safety tips, please visit the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov and search keyword, “boat.”