(Spirit Lake)– A combination of all the wind we’ve been experiencing lately along with colder than normal air and water temperatures have DNR officials urging those venturing out onto water to exercise extreme caution.
Jeff Morrison, a DNR enforcement officer, says anyone heading out should make sure they have the proper cold weather gear with them, along with a life jacket for everyone on board.
Morrison says anyone thinking about doing some kayaking or canoeing on any area rivers may want to reconsider that for the time being. He says high water levels and swift currents are making for dangerous conditions, especially for those who are not experienced.
With water temperatures only around 40 degrees, Morrison says hypothermia could set in rapidly for anyone who’s in the water very long.
So far there have been no cold water-related incidents this spring in the Iowa Great Lakes. And officials hope it stays that way…especially with this coming weekend’s Walleye opener.
