Winter temperatures have arrived and that means the water temperature of Missouri’s lakes and rivers is becoming colder. In some areas of the state, ice has begun to form on smaller bodies of water.

Authorities urge individuals who plan to be near or on one of the state’s lakes or rivers, or a private pond to use caution – as shock and hypothermia are possible, if someone is suddenly immersed in cold water.

According to a news release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air. Life-jacket use becomes even more important in cold water because hypothermia can quickly rob the body of the ability to perform the most basic tasks and drowning is always a concern.

If you take an unexpected plunge into cold water, it is vital to get out of the water and into dry clothes as soon as possible. If dry clothes are not an option, leave the wet ones on. Even wet clothes will offer some insulation and trap body heat.

A warm drink can be given to someone suffering from hypothermia if they are conscious. Alcohol should be avoided, as it impairs judgment and speeds up the development of hypothermia.

In other news, authorities say dock owners should be aware that ice and heavy snow combinations have caused major damage to boat docks in the past. The extra weight of snow and ice can cause such structures to collapse.

If dock owners insist on being on docks during icy conditions, life jackets should always be worn.