IA Boating Guide

All watercraft operated on Iowa waters must comply with state registration requirements. Contact the Iowa DNR or County Recorder's office for registration procedures and fees.

Iowa offers boater safety education through approved courses. The official Iowa boater safety handbook provides information on laws governing boating and safe operation on Iowa waters.

State law requires life jackets on every watercraft, including motorized boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. According to the US Coast Guard, 87 percent of drowning victims who died from a boating accident were not wearing their life jackets.

Iowa boating laws include requirements for engine cut-off switches, accident reporting, and special event permits. A permit is required for regattas, motorboat races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions held on Iowa state waters. Permits must be received at least 30 days in advance. Vessel operators involved in an accident must report to a Conservation Officer or local Sheriff's Department immediately.

Iowa's boating waters include the Mississippi River, Missouri River, Lake Okoboji, Clear Lake, Rathbun Lake, Saylorville Lake, Coralville Lake, Red Rock Reservoir, and the Iowa River. The state has a variety of rivers, creeks, and lakes offering different experiences for boaters of all skill levels.

Boaters should do their part to keep Iowa waterways clean and help prevent the spread of invasive species. Clean, drain, and dry your vessel between uses.