Des Moines, IA – February 26, 2025 – As spring-like weather begins to tease Iowans with warmer air temperatures, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is issuing a cautionary note to eager paddlers: the water remains dangerously cold. Despite the unseasonably mild air this year, the DNR is urging canoeists and kayakers to hold off on hitting the rivers until consistent warm weather allows water temperatures to rise to safer levels.

Todd Robertson, the Iowa DNR’s River Programs Water Trails coordinator, emphasized the hidden risks lurking beneath the enticing weather. “Air temperatures are warmer than normal this year, but the water is still dangerously cold,” Robertson said. “We have not had enough consistently warm days to raise water temperatures adequately. Cold water shock and hypothermia can set in quickly if you fall into the water at current temperatures.”

The DNR advises that it may take several weeks of sustained warmth for rivers and lakes to reach ideal paddling conditions, as both air and water temperatures continue to fluctuate. For now, the agency is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety over early-season adventures.

Safety First: Cold Water Paddling Tips

For those who can’t resist the call of the water—or when conditions eventually improve—the Iowa DNR has outlined key safety measures to mitigate the risks of cold water paddling:

• Wear a Life Jacket: Beyond keeping your head above water, a life jacket provides insulation to keep vital organs warmer in frigid conditions.
• Inspect Your Gear: After months in storage, check canoes, kayaks, and equipment for wear or damage to ensure everything is river-ready.
• Paddle with a Group: Never go alone, especially in cold water. Use a buddy system, travel with a small group, and identify the most experienced paddler for guidance.
• Share Your Plans: Inform a friend or family member of your route and expected return time to aid rescuers if trouble arises.
• Dress for the Water, Not the Air: Opt for a wetsuit or drysuit and layer up, anticipating a potential plunge into icy water. Shed layers if you overheat, but be prepared.
• Pack a Dry Bag: Carry extra clothing in a waterproof bag to change into if you get wet. Swiftly swapping out of cold, soaked gear can prevent hypothermia.
• Avoid Strainers: Steer clear of wood or branch piles, particularly on outside river bends where currents are strongest. These “strainers” can trap and pull paddlers underwater, posing lethal hazards.

Robertson stressed the importance of preparation, noting that understanding hypothermia stages and having the right gear could be the difference between a fun outing and a life-threatening emergency.

Patience Pays Off

With Iowa’s rivers offering scenic beauty and recreational appeal, the DNR’s message is clear: a little patience now can ensure safer, more enjoyable paddling later. As spring progresses and water temperatures climb, the state’s waterways will be ready to welcome adventurers—without the chilling risks of early-season dips.

For updates on water conditions or additional safety resources, paddlers can visit the Iowa DNR’s website or contact the River Programs team. Until then, the advice is simple: enjoy the warm air from the shore and save the paddle for a sunnier, safer day.