The ice recently left the lakes and rivers and next weekend is the opening of fishing in Wisconsin. A DNR recreational safety warden hopes people heading out onto the water think about the cold water.
Warden Jeff Dauterman in Antigo says there is a simple way to protect yourself should you go overboard...
"...the life jacket is the big thing and not just having it available. You really need to have it on. People don't last if they have a sudden immersion into cold water. Many times you witness people who come up once then go down...."
He says with a life jacket on, you pop up to the surface right away and then can orient yourself to get out of the water.
He also says be careful how you anchor your boat in fast moving river water...
"...when you're in water, rivers, especially this time of year, fishing in rivers is pretty popular and pretty productive. People will anchor their boats. You have to make sure you anchor your boat with the bow upstream..."
49 states require proof of completion of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels.
