As summer hits full swing and Iowans head to the beaches, the Iowa DNR is encouraging everyone to follow safe swim practices.

• Stay within the buoys – buoys are placed in locations where the water isn’t too deep or too shallow. Buoys identify the swimming area, keeping boaters out and swimmers in.
• Stay within your swimming capability. Weak swimmers should plan to wear a life jacket while swimming.
• Don’t swim alone – use the buddy system.
• Make sure to tell someone where you’re going and what you’re doing.
• This is not a swimming pool, but a natural environment.