Water levels on many bodies of water across the state are as elevated as they've been and authorities are urging extra caution if you're headed out to recreate for the Fourth of July holiday.

DNR Conservation Police Capt. John Williamson says the usual safety precautions need to be taken like making sure you have enough, appropriately sized life jackets and a sober operator for your watercraft.

According to Capt. Williamson, ramps, and other important pieces of infrastructure have been cleaned up as much as possible. He emphasizes even if you're on private property, rules of the water still apply. 

Capt. Williamson says non-powered boats are becoming more popular. Because of that, there continues to be a surge in those watercraft being the source of incidents requiring attention from first responders. He encourages anyone heading out to the water to make sure they are in a familiar place and let someone know where you are going and how long you plan to be out.