With the late ice out this year I thought it might be useful to post a reminder in regard to the cold water temperatures. With the very warm air temp it is quite natural to assume the water is also fairly warm over the next number of weeks. We know it isn't but it is so very easy to forget how cold and how very dangerous the water will be for some time. A dump in the middle of the summer is not a big deal most of the time. A dump in the next month could be fatal if you are not prepared or are too far from shore.
Review your "what if" plans and be safe!

Please people, wear you PFD when on the water.

I'm headed out in 4 weeks. I've been in between wet footing it vs going the Muckboots route. Thought I had decided with some wool socks and Keens, but the late ice out has me really reconsidering the muckboots.

These two Wildlife Rangers died on the lake I lived on in AK.
This Lake (Skilak Lake) has killed alot of people, it is cold even in July.
These rangers are still missing, only their boat gas can was found.

Oops

Great reminder! Just got my new paddling life jacket.
Plan to use it this upcoming weekend for opener.

Make sure your PFD is a bright color to make it easier to find you.

Yes life jackets float you don't. And in these temps you wouldn't last long. Another great article and video that has been going around the mom circles that I am a part of is Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning. If you haven't seen it yet take a moment to watch. Just last week I saw a kid get rescued at a pool and no one else noticed he was having trouble, not even the teenage lifeguards. An off duty police officer who was his kids jumped in. It can happen very fast.

old_salt: "Make sure your PFD is a bright color to make it easier to find you."

Mine is a bright Black! But it did save my life once.

nctry: "

old_salt: "Make sure your PFD is a bright color to make it easier to find you."

Mine is a bright Black! But it did save my life once."

I lost the one that saved my life... I still feel bad about that.

Grand rapids area

lets hope for some sun! :)
woot 2 weeks til put in! :) :)
i'm wet footing for sure.