DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters and those who participate in winter recreational activities to stay safe when dealing with bodies of water this winter.

This last weekend, a 37-year-old male was found in Lake Red Rock after telling friends and family he was going duck hunting. Marion County deputies located the body Sunday morning.

Whether it is going duck hunting, walking through a body of water during a deer hunt, or just getting out to ice skate; the DNR reminds people that bodies of water in the winter pose different threats.

“Things happen a lot faster once you get into the winter like this and you can get into trouble a lot faster,” said Nate Hoogeveen, director of river programs with the Iowa DNR.

Hoogeveen said that with the nicer weather this last weekend, people may rush outdoors without preparing properly for cold water temperatures. 

“Stay off thin ice and make sure that you’ve got a life jacket on. You’re going to likely get colder a lot faster. Of course once you’re immersed in water that can lead to hypothermia within a minute. So you just need to be really careful about that,” said Hoogeveen. 

A wetsuit, waders and extra layers is necessary to keep core temperatures warm while in a duck blind. Hoogeveen also advises hunters to have a thorough safety plan and let friends and family know where you will be when going out alone; and go with a buddy when you are able to. 

For ice skaters in the metro, Des Moines Park and Recreation will post flags around city ponds to indicate ice thickness and if it is safe to go on. Red means no skating, green means it is okay too, and if there is no flag do not go on the ice. 

The Iowa DNR has resources and information for winter recreation on its website.

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