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With the ice receding from rivers and lakes at what may seem like a near record pace, many boatersand anglers are already launching their boats. There have been 400 or even more fishing boatsreported in the Mississippi River, March 17, about the 12-mile stretch between Lock and DamNumber 3 north of Red Wing on the head of Lake Pepin.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding boaters to take specialprecautions when enjoying early season boating and Fishing. Though air temperatures have beenfrom the 70s recently, water temperatures will still be bone-chilling cold.

"We percieve it over and over again in Minnesota boating accidents," said Tim Smalley, DNR boatingsafety specialist. "A lone boat on a lake capsizes; the victim isn't wearing a life jacket, has nowarning or time for you to put one on, and drowns as a result of negative effects of cold water."

Smalley said the key is the life jacket. "Someone who suffers swimming failure or loss ofconsciousness will remain afloat wearing an existence jacket, but drown without one. It's smart forboaters to use an existence vest from the time they enter in the boat until they get back to shore.There is absolutely no time for you to put one on before a boating accident. It's been when comparedwith looking to buckle your seatbelt before an automobile crash."

A 2007 report with the United states Coast Guard stated a boating accident was 5 times very likelyto be fatal in case the water was colder than 60 degrees.

"Cold water can kill in such a way that you could not expect," said Smalley. "Nearly everyone knowsthat immersion in cold water can cause hypothermia - the abnormal lowering in the body's coretemperature. What most don't know is victims who experience an unexpected fall overboard sufferinitial cold water shock inside the first minute, which involuntarily causes them to take a number ofbig breaths, called hyperventilation. If http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/fishing their head is underwater,they can inhale more than a quart of water and drown immediately should they aren't wearing anexistence jacket to ensure they are afloat."

The DNR Boat and Water Safety Section recommends boaters look at the following items before

their first outing from the season:

Have a Usa Coast Guard approved life jacket on board, in excellent condition and also in the rightsize and type for each and every passenger.

Most boats 16 feet and longer also need one type IV throwable seat cushion or ring buoy inside thewatercraft.

Be sure all navigation lights are unobstructed and also in working order.

Ensure fire extinguisher is fully charged - tap the gauge to guarantee it isn't stuck on full.

Put fresh gear case lube within the lower unit.

Be sure the steering is the proper tightness.

Make certain registration numbers are visible and clear and display the existing state registrationsticker.

Inspect plastic thru-hull fittings and replace any that have cracked. Look for hoses which wereforced off or split from freezing. Every spring, boats sink on the dock when these issues goundetected.

If cracked or showing other warning signs of stress or age, inspect fuel hoses and fittings; replace.

Get fresh batteries for portable electronic gear - radios, GPS units, flashlights.

Check lights around the boat and trailer. Inspect trailer tires for inflate and wear properly. Look intothe trailer frame for rust spots; inspect the wheel bearings and re-pack if needed. Test the winch.

Engine or drive oil that is creamy brown or gray has water inside along with a mechanic should getthe method to obtain the leak before starting the engine.

Update navigational chart inventory. Channel buoys and markers change and GPS units can fail.

If required, review boat insurance plan and update coverage. Many insurance companies give you a

discount to boaters who may have taken a boating safety course.

Check prop for dings and nicks.

Make sure the drain plug is installed before launching.

Take a boating safety course.