Dairy Queen rewards young boaters for life vests

Minnesota kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer could be rewarded with ice cream treats.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is partnering with Dairy Queen to provide award certificates when conservation officers observe youngsters wearing life jackets while boating. The certificate includes a tear-off coupon that entitles the child to a free cone or cheeseburger from participating Dairy Queen restaurants.

DNR conservation officers report that children have even called them over to their family's boats so they can earn the certificates - and the free ice cream.

The DNR says more than 96 percent of children now wear a life jacket while boating in Minnesota. That's an increase from about 47 percent in 1984.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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