Safety Measures to Prevent Boating Fatalities

Cold Water Could Be Life-Threatening

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More than 30 percent of Minnesota’s boating fatalities happen during the cold water season.

With lakes and streams wide open across the state, officials are putting out a warning to prevent deaths from occurring.

The air temperature may be starting to heat up in the Northland, but the Lake Superior water is still at about 37 degrees.

To ensure a safe boating season, the Coast Guard is encouraging boaters to head out on the water with cold water gear, such as dry suits and wet suits.

Officials say at this time of year, it is important to prepare like you are going in the water.

A suggested safety method is to create a float plan before heading out, with information including a launch location, an intended route, and an estimated time of return.

“You give it to a friend, a spouse, anybody who will know where you’re going, when you’re supposed to be back, so if you do not come back, they can get a hold of us as quickly as possible,” said Harry Quinlan with the Duluth Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard also wants to remind boaters, that children under the age of 10 are required to wear life jackets while on board a watercraft not docked or anchored, and people of all ages are strongly encouraged to do so as well.

They say the best time to make sure all equipment and safety items are in working order, is before the first voyage of the year to get out the winter bugs.

Continuous warm weather is needed to heat up the water.

In its warmest months, September and October, Lake Superior only reaches the low 60s .