Hennepin County Sheriff's Office water patrol deputies, along with members of the Freshwater Society, declared ice-out on Lake Minnetonka at 5:30 p.m. on April 15.

The ice-out declaration on the 14,500-acre lake, typically the last in the metro area to melt, is considered the official start to the boating season. It most commonly happens in mid-April, although it has occurred as early as March 11, in 1878, and as late as May 5, in 1857, according to Freshwater records.

Ice-out means a boat can maneuver through all the lake's 37 bays and channels without obstruction. although the water still may contain some chunks of ice.

The state Department of Natural Resources keeps records of ice-outs (and their wintry opposites, ice-ins) around the state. Many lakes around the Twin Cities and to the south already have opened.

With the ice-out declaration made official, the Sheriff's Office water patrol warned recreation-minded residents to take care to remember water safety rules. "We want people to take advantage of the natural resources Hennepin County has to offer but to do so responsibly," said Lt. Bret Cline of the water patrol.

The agency noted that many navigational buoys have not been placed yet for the season. In addition, the water is very cold, making it all the more important to wear a life jacket while boating because hypothermia can occur in just minutes at the current water temperature.

Boaters also should make sure to let someone know if they are going out on the water, and parents are asked to keep a close eye on children when they are in a boat or close to the water.