The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is warning people to stay safe during the Fourth of July.

After a number of boating and swimming accidents during Memorial Day weekend, Iowa DNR spokesman Kevin Baskins said he hopes the publicity from the accidents might make people think twice before getting in the water.

The number of injuries that occurred over the weekend probably happened because of the unusually nice weather. He said the type of accidents that happen change year to year, but the number of drownings usually correlates with the temperature.

The Iowa DNR website has videos about boating safety, life jackets and warning against alcohol use.

“When you are on the road, you have lanes and lines to stay between while driving, but on the lake you have to be looking all around you,” Baskins said.

When you have to deal with the sun and the wind it makes for a high-risk situation, and it’s easy to become disoriented by the waves.

Another safety hazard people forget about on the lake is that boats don’t have brakes.

When at the beach swimming, people don’t usually think about life jackets until it’s too late.

“Once something happens you can’t change it, and that is something people need to remember,” Baskins said.

Adding alcohol to the mix only makes it all the more dangerous, as alcohol slows and weakens your motor skills so even if you are a strong swimmer alcohol and swimming probably isn’t a good idea.

“You have to know your limits,” he said.

Also, There are regulations on alcohol inside state parks. Baskins said the DNR officers are sworn peace officers, and can make arrests and write tickets just as the police can.

Beer with an alcohol content 5 percent or less by weight and wine with an alcohol content 17 percent or less by weight can be consumed in state parks and recreation area, according to the DNR website.

The drinks are not permitted in parking areas or on roads.

Keg beer is not permitted in the campgrounds or on beaches without a beer permit, which requires a $100 minimum deposit and a signed agreement.

Hard liquor is not to be consumed in parks and recreation areas.

The full list of rules and regulations is available here.