A large group of college students is facing financial repercussions after violating Lake Monroe Boat Rental COVID-19 policies Friday afternoon.
Social media photos and video showed the students gathered closely on three 24-person rental boats tied together. A fourth was in the vicinity.
State health officials blame large gatherings around the Fourth of July for contributing to an increase in coronavirus cases during July and August and are urging people to wear masks and avoid crowds during the Labor Day weekend.
"We saw a surge in patients after Memorial Day and after July 4," State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said Wednesday. "I don't want to see that after Labor Day. Make this weekend a safe one Hoosiers."
A rental company employee said they were aware of the situation and that all future rentals for the particular group of students had been canceled. The students will have to forfeit their deposit on the boats due to the policy violation.
The employee said the rule that prevents customers from tying boats together is just one of several COVID-19 mitigation strategies the company has implemented to keep customers and employees safe.
“The people that came out today are violating the policy,” they said.
The employee said these students have rented from the company before. They said it wasn’t clear if the students were affiliated with a particular organization.
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s latest COVID-19 executive order states that Hoosiers don’t have to wear a face mask while swimming, provided that they can safely social distance.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
