CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ind. — Memorial Day weekend is the kick off to summer, and as summer activities ramp up, things get busy for law enforcement.
"It was sunny, it's been hot, people have been itching to get out on the water," said Indiana Conservation Officer Jim Schreck.
Schreck spent a portion of his Memorial Day weekend along the Blue River, a popular canoeing area in southern Indiana.
"The access ramps to access the rivers have just been jam packed," he said on Monday.
That's where Schreck assisted with multiple search and rescues over the weekend.
"One instance a gentleman was heavily intoxicated and had been drinking for multiple days straight and floated seven or eight miles basically unconscious almost," said Schreck. "Last night we had a lengthy rescue where a female capsized. Again another pool raft."
Schreck said neither person had a life jacket with them, which should be the first safety check.
"First and foremost wear your life jacket," he said. "We understand everybody's ready to get out but you have to wear a life jacket."
He also recommends telling a friend or family member the route or area you plan to be in, "That way if you're overdue and they call us to come looking, we kind of know where to start."
His third tip for staying safe on the water: "Avoid alcohol if at all possible in the water because it just doesn't mix, especially with high currents."
Officers are working to adhere to social distancing guidelines, but so far Schreck said he hasn't had any major issues with large gatherings.
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