BOATERS BE AWARE OF HYPOTHERMIA AND HIGH WATER LEVELS: OH

Division of Watercraft today issued a recreational boating advisory due to
seasonally high river levels and cold water temperatures.
Though Lake Erie and most inland lakes remain ice covered, an
expected warming trend will create unsafe ice conditions due to melting and
hold water temperatures to levels just above freezing. Inland streams and
rivers are at seasonally high levels due to recent precipitation and melting
snow.
"The conditions of most inland rivers and streams currently are too
swift and dangerous for all but the most skilled and experienced boaters.
Boaters are strongly encouraged to know the existing water temperatures and
conditions before they go boating," said Ken Alvey, chief of the ODNR
Division of Watercraft.
Taking precautions against a cold water immersion and the risk of
hypothermia is especially important this time of year, according to ODNR.
Properly wearing a life jacket, wearing protective layers of clothing
appropriate for water temperatures instead of seasonably warm air
temperatures, and being prepared for an emergency are among the list of
boating safety tips boaters are advised to consider.
Boating safety tips, boater education course listings and other
boating program information is available on the Internet at ohiodnr.com

Source: ODNR