With ice disappearing across much of southern Minnesota and quickly melting in the north, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents that early-season water recreation comes with serious risks.
Despite the return of open water and increased activity from anglers and paddlers, water temperatures remain dangerously cold. Officials say about 30 percent of fatal boating accidents each year happen during the cold-water period, when temperatures are below 70 degrees. Many of those incidents involve people not wearing life jackets.
“We know Minnesotans want to take advantage of every day of open water, and it’s great to see people out on the water, getting an early start to the season,” said Lisa Dugan, DNR recreation safety outreach coordinator. “But the message people need to understand is this: Make sure you have the proper safety gear and don’t put your desire to hit the water over the need to be safe.”
The DNR recommends wearing a properly secured, foam-filled life jacket, ensuring all safety equipment is functional, and checking weather conditions before heading out. Boaters are also urged to share their plans with someone on land and follow watercraft safety regulations.
Officials stress that even a brief, unexpected fall into cold water can quickly become life-threatening without proper precautions.
More information can be found on the DNR website.
