UPDATE: DNR: Safety Must be a Priority Around Cold Water

Originally published 7:29 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023

Updated 10:40 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023

(KNSI) — Cold water season sees roughly a third of boating fatalities in an average year in Minnesota, but there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Lieutenant Mike Martin says not wearing a lifejacket is the primary reason for the high death rate. He says the water temperature in most lakes right now is only about 40 degrees, including those that are ice free. When you fall in, it’s a race against the clock even before hypothermia sets in.

“When you are first submerged in the water, say you fall overboard, your body involuntarily has a gasping reflex. So you start to gasp, hyperventilate, people often panic.”

Martin says the initial body response is when drowning is most likely. If you survive that, hypothermia sets in within 30 minutes. Your body shuts down starting with the extremities, followed by the arms and legs, then your core. Experienced swimmers are affected the same as novices.

Martin adds that there are a lot of dangers unique to spring which can potentially cause a problem.

“The equipment maybe hasn’t been used since last August, the gas is stale so maybe the boat is surging as it goes across the lake [and] you don’t have the best control of it. Maybe there’s a mouse nest in the engine compartment.”

Doing a comprehensive check of your boat and gear before you head for the water is encouraged.

Martin says another threat is debris and obstructions. He says a lot gets swept into rivers and lakes during the snowmelt. The high water levels tend to run swiftly, which is dangerous as well.

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