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DNR launches new Marine Unit to enforce safety on Minnesota waterways this summer

In alliance with Memorial Day weekend, the DNR's Enforcement Division announced the formation of its new Marine Unit dedicated to monitoring safety on waterways.

MINNETONKA, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) revealed its newest initiative Thursday, hoping to ensure safety for people enjoying Minnesota's lakes and other waterways this summer.

In alliance with Memorial Day weekend — widely considered the unofficial start to the season — the DNR's Enforcement Division announced the formation of a new, statewide Marine Unit specifically dedicated to monitoring the state's busiest and most popular places used for recreational water activity. 

"We have four officers — two in the metro, one in Duluth, one in Alexandria and myself as a supervisor," the DNR's Lt. Eric Sullivan told reporters Thursday. "Our focus is boating safety — boating safety out on the water, being highly visible. traveling to areas of the state that have large amounts of users on the water and help ensure that we're visible to ensure a safe weekend out on the water."

The DNR said the unit's boats are designed to "handle all types of weather conditions," while Marine Unit officers will also provide training to other state agencies about proper water safety procedures.

To get in the safety mindset before festivities begin this weekend, Sullivan also offered these three, easy-to-follow tips to remember while boating:

1. Always have life jackets handy
"Making sure we have them on board the watercraft that we're on, and having them on."

2. Have patience 
"Patience at the access, as well as out on the water with other users." 

3. Don't drink and drive
"Leave the alcohol on shore so we don't have to worry about any impairment and make sure you have a safe day on the water."

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