DNR: 9 people dead from boating fatalities this summer in Minnesota, safety stressed

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is stressing water safety after the state has seen a deadly few weeks during the open-water season this summer.

The DNR states, as of June 16, as many as nine people have been victims of boating fatalities. That number, which is preliminary, marks the most fatalities at this point of the year in more than a decade.

In addition, a higher-than-average number of people have drowned at places like beaches and swimming pools.

Officials with the DNR are reminding everyone who is around the water to make safety their first priority.

"There are too many families who won’t be seeing their loved ones again," said Lt. Adam Block, boating law administrator for the DNR Enforcement Division. "It’s up to everyone who heads for the water to double-down on safety and prevent what should be a fun experience from turning tragic."

The people who have drowned so far this season span the age, gender and swimming ability spectrum. DNR safety officials have provided the following tips to stay safe around the water:

• Wear a life jacket.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Designate a "water watcher."
• Wade feet-first into the water to avoid jumping into an area where the current, depth and other conditions are unknown.
• Constantly supervise children while they are in or near the water.
• Swim only in designated swimming areas.

For more information about water safety from the DNR, click here.