Colder water brings increased danger for boaters, paddlers as winter approaches

Colder water brings increased danger for boaters, paddlers as winter approaches

Source: echopress

10/23/2024

Credit: Duluth Media Group

There are few things more scenic than an array of fall foliage reflecting off the smooth surface of a lake, viewed from a canoe quietly traversing the waters.

But even with a warmer-than-normal autumn, cool evenings and frost in most of the state mean that the water temperatures on Minnesota lakes and rivers are dropping steadily.

While safety is always a priority when venturing onto the water, no matter how warm it may be, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges extreme caution for those who venture out hunting, fishing or paddling before freeze-up.