(KNSI) – With the ice off central Minnesota lakes and open water fishing underway, the Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters and anglers that cold water still poses serious risks.
Lisa Dugan with the Minnesota DNR told KNSI’s Bob Hughes that any water temperature under 70 degrees is still considered cold water, and current lake temperatures are well below that threshold.
Dugan says the early season brings fewer boats on the water, meaning help may not be close by if something goes wrong. That makes wearing a life jacket especially important this time of year. She also recommends a full check of your boat before heading out, including making sure you have enough life jackets on board, working navigation lights, and a fire extinguisher in good condition.
Dugan says the most common way people end up in the water is through trips and falls overboard, exposing them to the cold conditions.
“Hypothermia is going to take a little bit of time to set in, but it’s that cold shock response that you have to worry about. When you initially hit the water, your body automatically gasps, and having a life jacket on at that moment is crucial to keep your head above water.”
She says trying to get back in the boat after falling in can be daunting, adding that cold water quickly saps a person’s strength.
“It is impossible to pull yourself into the boat. And then you think about, you know, how quickly you lose feeling in your fingers.”
Dugan also stressed the importance of letting someone know your plans before heading out, including where you’re going and when you expect to be back, so searchers have a starting point if something happens.
More boating and water safety information, including instructional videos, is available by clicking here.
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