The deaths of two children last week who succumbed after falling into an icy Minnesota lake underscore the dangers of early-season boating and fishing.
"Cold water is a killer," said Kim Elverum, Department of Natural Resources boat and water safety coordinator.
Boaters and anglers might be lulled into a false sense of security by the unseasonably warm spring, Elverum said. But water temperatures can still be in the 40s and 50s -- water cold enough to kill.
"The perception is the air is nice and warm, but those deep lakes will take time to warm up," he said.
Elverum said water isn't safe until it's around 70 degrees; most pools are at least 80 degrees.
"Cold water will continue to be a problem," he said.
It kills at least four ways: Cold water shock, which causes the victim to inhale water and drown; swim failure, because muscles stiffen; hypothermia -- after 30 minutes body core temperature drops, which can lead to unconsciousness and death; and post-immersion collapse, when cold blood trapped in extremities rushes to the heart, leading to heart failure.
The DNR's hypothermia brochure can be viewed at www.startribune.com/a1198.
