Kansas game wardens bust boaters at huge Milford Lake event

GEARY COUNTY (KSNT) - Kansas game wardens worked with other law enforcement officials to issue multiple arrests at a large and unpermitted event in July on Milford Lake.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Game Wardens posted to social media that it recently participated in a "special enforcement selective" at Milford Lake on Saturday, July 19. Wardens, alongside Public Lands officers, Kansas State Park Rangers and the Geary County Sheriff's Office, worked together during this event.

Law enforcement hit the water due to a huge annual event on the lake. Kansas game wardens said that, while the event was pre-planned, it was unpermitted.

Officers stopped a total of 74 different vessels on the lake on July 19. Law enforcement issued 28 charges, two warnings and made seven arrests for the following violations:

• 10 Insufficient safety equipment - personal flotation device, fire extinguisher, navigation lights, etc.
• Six boating under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both.
• Three negligent operation.
• Three expired or missing vessel registration.
• Two over capacity.
• Two interference with law enforcement.
• One personal breath test refusal.
• Operate above no-wake speed in a no-wake zone.
• Minor in consumption.
• Criminal restraint.

"We want everyone to be safe while they enjoy their time on Kansas lakes and rivers. Let this be some encouragement to make sure you have all required safety equipment before you hit the water, to care for the safety of your occupants as well as those around you, and to never operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

KDWP Game Wardens social media statement excerpt

Kansas game wardens thanked those who were on the water while also following established rules and laws correctly. Law enforcement reports that all charges are still pending for the recorded violations on July 19.

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