DNR reminds Minnesotans to recreate safely as open-water season nears across the state
Northern Minnesota is still waiting on open water for many in-land lakes, but for much of the state, the ice has receded enough that boating season has begun.
Along with the change in seasons, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) has issued a safety warning for those recreating on water to reminder that even without the ice, the state’s lakes are still cold.
According to the MN DNR, about 30% of fatal boating accidents happen during the “cold-water period,” when water temperatures are below 70° F, and many victims were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
The MN DNR website includes a safety tips page devoted specifically to cold water, including tips on preparing for recreation during the cold-water period, and how to respond if someone goes overboard.
Cold water can cause shock immediately after someone enters the water, can impair swimming as limbs cool and lose feeling, and cause hypothermia. All of these things can lead to drowning.
For those wearing a lifejacket, the MN DNR recommends the 1-10-1 principle. During the first minute overboard, the person in the water should focus on calming their breathing and not panicking. For the next ten minutes, the principle suggests “meaningful movement,” like attempting to self-rescue or signal for help. This could also include locating other members of a boating party and making a plan. The final “1” refers to the approximate hour that someone who has fallen overboard or capsized has to preserve heat and, if needed, wait for help to arrive.
“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,” Lisa Dugan, MN DNR recreation safety outreach coordinator, said in a statement, “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.”
Kirsten Wisniewski April 12, 2026
