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After accounts of fights and unsafe boat operations, commissioners adopt swim-exclusion zones for Lake Winterset and others
Summary
Following testimony from the sheriff’s office and extensive resident accounts of overcrowding, fights, underage drinking and unsafe boat speeds near swimmers, the board adopted ordinances establishing vessel exclusion (swim) zones and designated swim areas for Lake Winterset, Lake Clinch and Lake Ariana.
Polk County commissioners adopted an ordinance establishing vessel‑exclusion swim zones and designated swim areas for Lake Winterset, Lake Clinch and Lake Ariana after the sheriff’s office and many residents described repeated hazardous conditions.
Lieutenant Benador of the sheriff’s office told the board of multiple recent incidents — including an arrest over a jet ski operating at high speed among swimmers and several arrests during the prior three days — and said deputies had recorded growing numbers of complaints. Multiple residents offered detailed testimony and photo evidence describing loud music, large numbers of anchored boats, fights, underage drinking, trash and near-miss incidents between boaters and swimmers; several speakers said enforcement is limited without an ordinance that designates exclusion zones. The board voted to adopt the vessel‑exclusion ordinance and instructed staff to work with the state Fish and Wildlife Commission as required for boundary amendments.
