Iowa developer's new app makes navigating trails safer

Des Moines-area developers recently unveiled a new app to report hazardous recreational trail conditions, like debris just under the surface of riverways.

• KayakVenture is free and will work anywhere in the nation.

Why it matters: It aims to make water and land trail recreation safer by preventing injuries or deaths, owner Greg Rhames told Axios.

Details: The system developed by the folks at Quarry Springs Outfitters allows recreationists to drop an electronic GPS pin on a map and flag others to dangers in real time.

• The info can also immediately inform trail supervisors of urgent maintenance needs.
• The more people who use it, the more beneficial it becomes.
• It's not yet available for Androids, but that's coming soon, Rhames said.

Of note: Quarry Springs Outfitters was also given city approval this week to begin kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals from Captain Roy's at Birdland Park and Marina.

• The rentals should be available around the Fourth of July.