As temperatures fall and ice begins forming on ponds, small lakes, and other waterways across the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds parents and guardians to talk with their kids about the importance of safety on the ice and around the water. It’s especially important with many children at home over Thanksgiving break.
Falling into the water this time of year, whether through thin ice or into open water, can turn tragic quickly. It has the potential to incapacitate even the strongest swimmers, so it’s up to parents and guardians to teach their kids about the dangers of cold water, and ensure they’re properly supervised anytime they’re around water. Already this season, a DNR conservation officer and other rescue personnel saved two teenagers who fell through thin ice in northern Minnesota.
“Kids tend to be curious about the water, but they might not understand the dangers,” said Capt. Adam Block, boating law administrator for the DNR. “Every type of waterway can be dangerous this time of year, from small neighborhood ponds all the way to our largest lakes and rivers.”
Wearing a foam-filled life jacket is the best way to stay safe around cold water or survive an unexpected fall in. Foam is better than inflatable life jackets this time of year, since the latter might not fully inflate in cold water. In addition, Block recommends people carry a phone in case they need to call for help, let others know where they’re going and when they plan to return, and plan for how to deal with an unforeseen incident.
For more information about surviving a fall into cold water, visit the DNR cold water dangers webpage.