As Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting and fall fishing seasons get underway, the Department of Natural Resources is reminding people to take extra precautions as water temperatures drop.

Cold water can quickly incapacitate even strong swimmers, while fewer boaters on the water can mean longer rescue times. The DNR recommends wearing a foam life jacket, distributing weight evenly in boats, carrying a way to communicate and telling someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Officials also urge hunters to monitor changing weather and follow the four basic rules of firearm safety. For more information on cold-water safety, visit mndnr.gov