Free sticker reminds boaters to check the drain plug
(Released April 25, 2011)
A bright-yellow warning sticker has been created by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help remind boaters to “check their drain plug.”
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Invasive species regulations, which went into effect last year, now require boaters to remove the plug and drain the bilge and live well before transporting a watercraft. The DNR developed the sticker because some boaters forget to put their drain plug back in place before relaunching their boats.
DNR conservation officers say that some boaters have reported near-misses.
“I’m told that one angler returned to the dock after parking his truck and trailer, only to find his boat nearly filled with water,” said Tim Smalley, Minnesota DNR boating safety specialist. “This is something new that boaters need to incorporate into their boat launch routine.”
The DNR suggests the warning sticker be placed next to the boat trailer’s winch handle, or somewhere else the boater is likely to see it before the boat is launched.
Boaters can obtain the stickers at no charge by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367. They are also available by emailing boatandwater.dnr@state.mn.us and requesting the “Drain Plug Sticker.”
