Ohio DNR provides tips for staying safe on wintertime waterways in the state

Columbus — As Ohio’s scenery shifts from fall color to winter calm, the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft is reminding outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and prepared when heading out on the water.

“Ohio’s lakes and rivers are beautiful in every season, but cold water brings serious risks,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Wearing a life jacket and understanding the dangers of cold water can make all the difference in keeping your adventures safe and enjoyable.”

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Water below normal body temperature (98.6°F) can cause rapid heat loss, cooling the body up to 25 times faster than cold air of the same temperature. This can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia. Nearly 90% of boating fatalities result from drowning, and almost half of those involve immersion in cold water.

Just like wearing a seatbelt in a car, putting on a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the simplest and most effective way to stay safe on the water. Dressing in warm, layered clothing and letting someone know your float plan, where you’re going and when you’ll return, are also key steps to staying safe.