Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council
 

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The Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council, Inc is a not-for-profit public service organization formed to promote boating and water safety along with improved water quality on the Iowa Great Lakes. This chain of lakes is located in Dickinson County- Northwest Iowa.

 The Iowa Great Lakes cover 12,700 acres with seventy miles of shoreline.

Five of the lakes (East Okoboji- West Okoboji, Lower Gar - Upper Gar, and Minnewashta) are connected so boats can travel between the lakes. Boats must pass under bridges to move between the lakes with clearance that varies from five to nine feet depending on lake water level.

The spillway between Big Spirit Lake and East Okoboji does not permit the passage of boats.

WHAT'S NEW?

          Spirit of America - Youth Water Safety Program   - See below

          Boaters Maps Available   CLICK HERE

          New AIS Radio System  CLICK HERE  Tune to 1640 AM to hear the AIS message

Spirit of America - Youth Water Safety Program

The Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council and Camp Foster YMCA have teamed up to provide a 2 one-week resident camp on boater education for 7th and 8th grade students. The program gives students real on-the-water training on how to operate a variety of vessels including canoes, kayaks, outboard boats, sailboats, PWC's and powerboats.

The first session for this boater education camp will take place at Camp Foster June 20 to 26 on a first come –first served basis. The second session will be offered at Camp Foster August 8-14.  After completing the State Boater Education program, students will learn how to safely operate all types of watercraft. Boats and training materials are provided by a grant from the US Coast Guard. There is a $350 cost for one week of meals and housing at Camp Foster for participants outside of Dickinson County, IA.  Thanks to a grant through the Dickinson County Endowment Fund, we are able to offer this program for $150 to all Dickinson County participants.

Seventh and eighth grade students that wish to take part need to complete the Spirit of America application and health form. For more information visit the Camp Foster website www.campfosterymca.com  and click on the tab “summer camp”.

To participate in the Spirit of America program contact Patrick Rice at Camp Foster 712-336-3272 or email patrick.rice@campfosterymca.com

Spirit of America is a national youth boater education course that is offered in a handful of states and is sponsored by the National Water Safety Congress, the United States Coast Guard, the Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council and Camp Foster YMCA. 

Spirit of America Brochure   CLICK HERE

Parent Letter      CLICK HERE

Student Application      CLICK HERE

Student Health Form    CLICK HERE

IOWA GREAT LAKES WATERSHED

  • Contributions to promote water safety on the Iowa Great Lakes are welcome.

  • The WSC is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit corporation.

  • Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • Federal Tax ID number 36-4513880

              Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is believed to be accurate.

              Users should consult the official versions as the final authority.
   
 

Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council PO Box 232 Spirit Lake, IA 51360