3 Safe After Canoe Overturned Into Dangerously Cold Water on Minnesota Lake

The snow is gone and the weather is warming up, which means it's time to hit the lakes...but beware, the water is still dangerously cold.

According to a report from Bring Me The News, a canoe tipped around 3 p.m. Friday on Lake Marquette, which is about one mile southwest of Bemidji, and sent the three aboard into the water.

Luckily, the three did make it back to shore, and they were all wearing Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs). Even so, they were transported to Sanford Emergency Department in Bemidji to be treated for hypothermia.

Don't be fooled. Even as temperatures are getting warmer, the large bodies of water still pose a threat and potentially will until late May.

"This scenario ended well. Some unfortunately don’t. Cold water can kill," the release from a Beltrami County sheriff said.

The Minnesota DNR has many resourceful links on how to practice water safety. To watch a video on how to help someone who goes overboard, click here.

When it comes to water safety, you can never be too knowledgeable!

By all means, it is time to enjoy the beautiful weather. I hope to head up north to the lake soon, but remember to be sensible when heading out to the water.

Dress for the conditions and wear PFDs. Let people know when you're heading out and hold your friends and family accountable.

The water will warm soon enough, and then it will be time to fully enjoy everything the lakes offer...but once it comes make sure to enjoy every second of it because soon enough it'll be ice fishing season again.