The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (also known as the BWCA) is one of the most popular destinations for vacationing nature lovers. Thousands of canoers and campers flock to the Northern Minnesota territory every summer to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife that the lakes and forests have to offer. Although the BWCA is an incredibly tranquil area to visit, any body of water can be potentially dangerous.
On June 12, a group of eight from a Boy Scout troop was rescued from a dangerous situation in the BWCA after two canoes rolled over. Of the eight members of the troop, six were rushed to the hospital and three were diagnosed with a bad case of hypothermia.
All visitors should be on their guard for hazardous situations while camping and canoeing in the BWCA, especially with the record breaking amount of rain in the area this year. There are many ways eager campers and canoers can be safe while having a good trip. After talking with Dave Anderson, a vice flotilla commander for the local Coast Guard Auxiliary, it became obvious that safety in the BWCA is not something to take lightly.
The first safety tip is probably the most obvious: life jackets. According to the Department of Natural Resources’ website, “Wearing a life jacket while paddling is just like wearing a seat belt while driving – by taking the easy step of wearing the device properly, it may save your life.” What’s more, it’s the law for children under ten to wear a lifejacket and well fitted lifejacket to be easily accessible for everyone else. But according to Anderson, that is often not enough.
“Have a lifejacket and always wear it,” said Anderson. “Don’t think in an emergency you’ll be able to find it and put it on quick enough.”
Another important thing for canoers to do is to tell someone outside of their party where they will be going.
“That’s called filing a float plan,” said Anderson. “Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.”
If you don’t, it can have a pretty nasty aftermath. It’s also important to let someone know when you and your party plan to return.
Dressing for the right temperature is often overlooked, even way up in Northern Minnesota. Boundary Waters visitors should make sure to check the forecast and bring appropriate clothes for the temperature. Be prepared for abrupt weather changes.
“In our northern lakes hypo can set in pretty quickly,” said Anderson. “Have light and warm things in your pack that you can put on and take off as needed.”
Keep a form of communication with you at all times. If you get into a dangerous situation, it is important to be able to contact the Duluth Coast Guard or the Forest Service Dispatch. Cellphones seem like an obvious answer, but they might not be the best first choice.
“Cellphone service is very spotty in the Boundary Waters,” said Anderson, “so a cellphone of course is better than nothing, but to ensure you are able to contact someone in an emergency, buy yourself a handheld marine radio.”
Handheld marine radios can range from 50 to 200 dollars.