Coast Guard Auxiliary offers tips for boating in cold weather

Winter is knocking at the door, and some may be putting their boat up for the winter while some are still planning to use it for some cold weather sports such as hunting or fishing. If the approaching cold weather doesn’t necessarily mean the boating season is over, there are some important things to be considered.

Many unconsciously feel that accidents only happen to the “other” guy. For those who are planning to be on the water this time of year, the cold can be a mortal enemy, especially if they are not prepared. Not only must they dress warm so they can enjoy their time on the water, but they must also consider the possibility that they could end up in the water. No one plans on going swimming this time of year but accidents can and do happen. Always consider the “what if’ factor.

First: Boaters should not be out there alone. Two or three individuals stand a better chance working together than being alone. Consider the advantages of a second boat.

Second: Boaters should always let someone ashore know where they are going, when they are expected back, the landing they will use and a good description of their vehicle, trailer and boat.

Third: Be prepared in the event fate should strike. Have a way to signal for help: marine radio, cell phone, signal light, flare, horn or whistle. Dress warm but shy away from anything that will hold or collect water and weigh a person down. Be careful with things such as waders that can fill up with water and become an anchor.

A first priority in survival equipment should be a life jacket. Wear it at all times when on or near the water. A life jacket is useless unless it is being worn. Once a person is in the water, it is too late.

In cold water, chances of survival are greatly diminished due to the effects of hypothermia. While hypothermia also occurs in open air, immersion in water draws heat from the body 25 times faster. After a short time in the water one can begin to lose their ability to think clearly and to move effectively, all depending on the water temperature, a person’s physical condition, what they are wearing, and what actions they take to conserve body heat.

Depending on the conditions, a person in the cold water could become incapacitated in as little as 30 minutes. At this point, a life jacket becomes their only hope. Keep in mind that in these conditions a swim to shore is a whole lot farther than it looks.

Should a person end up in the water and cannot get out and to someplace warm, they should conserve their core body heat, trying to float with their knees held close to their chest and stay with their boat. If they can get out of the water, they should wrap themselves in warm dry blankets, either of wool or a synthetic fabric designed for survival situations. Get to someplace warm as soon as possible. Consider the need for a trip to the emergency room.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, visit www.cgaux.org.