Before you head onto the water in your boat, canoe, or kayak, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants you to take some extra caution ahead of time. High winds, fluctuating temperatures, and cold water are some issues you can encounter. Even though air temperatures could be as warm as 50 degrees this weekend, water temperatures are 10 to 15 degrees cooler. According to DNR boating law administrator Lt. Darren Kuhn, an accidental fall into the water could be dangerous. “Cold water immersion can lead to hypothermia more quickly than during the traditional summer boating season,” Kuhn said. Spring run-off and melting ice and snow could also increase water levels, possibly causing boaters to encounter dangerous currents and unseen debris. Kuhn added that the first item in the boat should be a life jacket for everyone. “Wearing a life jacket will increase your chances of survival should you fall overboard into the cold and often fast spring waters.” He also recommends that boaters slow down, check the weather ahead of time, dress in layers, and let someone know where you are going. According to Wisconsin Watch, there are about 100 boating accidents each year.