Boating Services Director Reminds Mariners of Cold Weather Risks

     Annapolis, Md. -- As the weather shifts and the air and water temperatures cool, boaters should ready their vessels and equipment for the winter. If you choose to continue boating during the cold weather months be sure to examine your equipment for readiness and review your cold weather rescue skills.
      Keep in mind that boating during cold weather months comes with increased risks. Water temperatures can dip below 50º F during the off-season which can easily make a fall into the water turn into a fatal accident. In addition, reduced boating traffic during the off-season adds to that danger because immediate or prompt rescue by another boater is less likely.
     The main objective in surviving cold weather boating is to avoid entering the water in the first place. Water removes heat from the human body 25 times faster than cold air and most of the body’s heat is lost through the head. Immersion in cold water can lead to hypothermia, which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia causes the body’s temperature to drop to dangerously low levels which can lead to loss of coordination and function, a state of unconsciousness, and even death.
      Wearing proper protective clothing, a hat, and your life jacket will increase the likelihood of survival should you should accidentally fall into the cold winter water. Before you go, remember to leave a float plan, check the marine weather forecast and tide conditions, and carry the proper equipment on board if you boat during the off-season.
      Learn more about cold weather boating preparedness and hypothermia by visiting these web sites: http://powerboat.about.com/od/safetyandeducation/tp/ColdWeatherBoating.htm and http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypothermia-000092.htm.
      We caution all boaters to use common sense and exercise extreme caution during cold weather months and to avoid turning a day on the water into a day of tragedy.
      Robert P. Gaudette
      Director, DNR Boating Services