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Feb. 22, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR issues warning and offers tips to paddlers

paddling

DES MOINES, Iowa - The warmer than normal air temperatures in our listening area can be quite deceiving when it comes to water temperatures, which can still be dangerously cold.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers wait until the warmer weather is more consistent and allow the water temperatures to rise, which could take several weeks.

If paddlers do decide to brave the cold water, the Iowa DNR has some safety tips for paddling in cold water conditions.

Always wear a life jacket, use a buddy system so you aren't paddleing alone, let someone like a friend or loved one where you are going and when you'll get back

Also, dress as though you could be in the water at some point such as a wetsuit and dressing in layers, bring a dry bag with extra clothing to change into if needed and finally stay away from strainers such as wood-branch piles that can pull a paddler under.