Icy waters: Wisconsin DNR urges boaters to use extra caution

MADISON (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging boaters to use extra caution as they navigate still-frigid lakes and rivers.

Agency officials say water temperatures are still in the 40s and 50s and people are still ice fishing in northern Wisconsin. They say anyone who falls into the water will have less time to get to safety before hypothermia sets in.

DNR wardens are encouraging boaters to inspect their crafts before they head out, wear life jackets, travel at safe speeds, avoid alcohol, stay low in their boats and always tell someone their plans.

If boaters who fall overboard can't immediately get back into the boat, they should limit body movement because swimming lowers body temperature. Instead they should hug themselves into a ball, lean back and relax.