MINNEAPOLIS (KFGO-WCCO) — The unofficial start to summer is a little on the cool side this Memorial Day weekend, but that’s not expected to keep folks off the water.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters to be safe and that starts with life jackets.
“You need to have a wearable life jacket of proper size and good condition on board your vessel for each person,” Conservation Officer Matt Miller says. “Children under 10-years old have to be wearing it anytime it’s underway. Children over 10 and adults do not have to wear it, but it does have to be readily accessible, meaning it can’t be sealed up in packaging, stashed below deck, underneath other items, things like that.”
Miller says boat traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers hasn’t slowed a bit since the early days of the COVID pandemic when everyone was looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Those cool temps also mean water temperatures are still very cold. All the lakes across the state are below the 70-degree mark which is the minimum temperature for safe swimming. That’s making it all the more important to be safe on the water – and in case you end up in the water.
About 30% of fatal boating accidents each year happen during the cold-water period, and many involve victims who weren’t wearing a life jacket. The most effective way to survive a fall into cold water is to wear a life jacket and make sure it’s buckled or zipped.
“Very happy that the fatality numbers have been low the past two years, and we really hope that continues,” adds Miller. “Because our activity on the water has greatly increased the past five, six years, and I don’t expect that to slow down.”
Miller reminds boaters that while alcohol consumption is allowed on watercraft, operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal and carries the same penalties as a DWI behind the wheel of the care.
The DNR will be out on lakes and rivers doing checks so make sure you’re safe the Memorial Day Weekend!
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