In light of the recent tragedy at Lake Panorama, the importance of water safety has been highlighted.

Guthrie County DNR Officer Jeremy King says as people take to the water this summer there are just a few things to remember. He says it is important not just to have life jackets, but to also make sure they fit correctly.

“ If a child puts on an adult size life jacket, it can go over their head almost like taking off a t-shirt and it’s not going to do them very much good. So it’s important to make sure that everything fits snugly.”

King stresses that life jackets must be worn to be most effective and cautions that even water that appears safe can be dangerous.

King additionally cautions boaters about the use of alcohol and reminds them that the driver of a boat cannot operate while over the legal limit of .08 blood alcohol level just like vehicles on the road.