The Minnesota DNR and Duluth Fire Department are urging folks to make a plan to stay safe this boating season. We are still in the beginning of Summer, but families have already seen tragedies out on the water. The Minnesota DNR says there’s four confirmed boating fatalities and seven confirmed drownings.

Brent Consie, the Assistant Chief with the DFD, says water safety starts with a plan when you’re on land.

“Have a good, safe plan when you go out. We call it like a float plan, basically, it’s what we would say to people when they go out,” Consie said, “That’s letting people know how many people are in your party, where you’re going, and what time you plan to return.”

Consie also shared some advice for people thinking of going up to the BWCA this summer.

“If you’re in a canoe or a kayak, make sure that you are not tethered to it. Just so that you can get away from the boat should it go over. Obviously, stay away from things like waterfalls, jetties or things in the water that could upset your canoe or kayak.”

Lisa Dugan has coordinated with the Minnesota DNR with boat & water safety outreach. She says having a life vest is essential anytime you’re in the water.

“We might still be looking at cold water, especially in the northern part of the state. So being aware that, the longer amount of time in the water, increases your potential for hypothermia,” Dugan said. “You’re not able to do the things like putting on your life jacket in the water that you might think are really easy to do.”

Dugan also says when going to remote areas for boating, kayaking or canoeing make an emergency plan and bring a safety kit.

“So any area that you’re going out on that might have low signal. Before you even leave, share your plan with somebody. So let someone know where you’re going, where you expect to be, and when you expect to be back, so that someone else is watching out for you while you’re gone,” Dugan said. “Then bring with you emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, the other kind of transmitter devices that may not need cell service. It’s worth the additional investment to have those on you in case you do run into trouble, you’re able to get help to you as quick as possible.”

Here are some of the safety tips the Minnesota DNR have for boating this season.

• Boat safe by being sober
• Don’t just bring a life jacket, Wear it
• Know the water temperatures
• Keep an eye on the weather
• Do not go boating alone
• Tell someone where you are going before you go out on the water

For more information about boat safety tips you can read more here. Also for other stories about safety you can read more here.