Waterfowl hunting season is well underway in Central Illinois. 

While you don’t plan on diving into the icy waters, it’s important to keep water safety in mind. 

That’s according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville Natural Resource Specialist Makayla Tinker. 

Tinker says 9 out of 10 water related deaths involve individuals not wearing a life-jacket. 

There are a couple things you can do to decrease your risk. Tinker says you should always tell someone where you will be in case rescue crews have to find you. 

If you fall in the water, Tinker recommends the HELP method. 

While you’ve fought off a drowning incident, you may have to deal with hypothermia. Tinker recommends changing in to dry clothing right away and wrapping yourself with a blanket. 

More water safety tips available at pleasewearit.com. Tinker appeared as a guest on the Shelbyville WTIM Morning Show.