Even if it’s a warm day in the fall, winter or spring, cold water temperatures could pose a problem to boaters. The Sea Tow Foundation has put together some tips for cold water boating to help you plan accordingly. Know what to expect if you do fall in the water, and know how to react if it happens.
Step 1: Plan Ahead – Boating in cold water requires additional planning. Small boats are less stable, and their occupants are more prone to fall overboard. This typically happens when the boater is engaged in an activity like anchoring, casting a fishing rod while standing, hunting, or even reaching for the dock at the end of the boating trip.
Wear a Life Jacket – A foam life jacket is a much better option as opposed to an inflatable model because it provides much-needed insulation that can help keep you warmer in cold water. Plus, it offers a good range of motion for activities such as fishing and hunting.
File a Float Plan – While boaters should always file a float plan, it’s even more important when the water is cold. It doesn’t have to be formal – having a friend or family member aware of your planned route and estimated time of arrival can save lives should the unexpected happen.
Layer Up – Dress warmly and carry a towel and extra clothes in a waterproof dry bag should you get wet. Dress in layers with the innermost layer being a fabric that wicks moisture away from your body. The next layer should be a fabric that insulates such as fleece, polyester or wool, which have curly fibers that help trap the air your body warms. Fabrics like cotton – including denim – have straight fibers that are poor at trapping air and aren’t recommended.
Personal Locator Beacons are necessary – Also known as a PLB, these devices easily attach to a life jacket or belt loop and are waterproof, unlike cell phones. They can be triggered to call for help in an emergency, and their satellite signal works when cell signals don’t. ACR’s ResQLink View is a great option. Plus, Sea Tow members can get them at a discounted rate through the Sea Tow Savings Club.
Engine Cut-Off Switch – Using the lanyard to ensure that the boat’s propeller stops if the boat operator is thrown overboard is not only a good idea, but it is the law as of April 1, 2021, for nearly all motorized boats less than 26 feet long. For more details on the law and how you can get a floating Velcro wristband that you can attach to your engine cut-off switch lanyard, click here.Wireless options like the FELL Marine Man Overboard (MOB) System could help you safely return to your boat and Sea Tow members receive a discount through the Sea Tow Savings Club.
Step 2: Should You Fall In, Remember the “1 – 10 – 1 Rule” – This applies to instances of cold water immersion and refers to having approximately one minute to control your breathing, less than 10 minutes for self-rescue, and about one hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia.
1st Minute – The first minute of immersion into cold water can be the most dangerous. It creates a condition called “cold water shock” that causes a person to gasp uncontrollably for air. Often, panic ensues, and the person can swallow water and quickly drown. Knowing this phase only lasts a minute or so can save your life. Concentrate on breathing and treading water until it passes.
10 Minutes – Even in near freezing water, a person has about 10 minutes before their extremities become numb and are unable to function. Use this time to get out of the water, dry off and get into dry clothes. If this isn’t possible, use the time to put on a life jacket (if you aren’t already wearing one) and try any means of self-rescue such as swimming for a nearby shore or another boat and climbing on top of a floating object. Also, don’t forget about using your PLB to signal for help. In slightly warmer waters, this second stage can last longer, but it also depends on the air temperature as well, so don’t plan on having very long to decide and act on how you will help yourself survive.
1 hour – It can take a person in cold water about one hour to lose consciousness, but again, depending on the temperature of the water and air, this time frame could vary, but you will no longer be able to move your fingers and arms, and you will become easily confused and frustrated. Wearing a foam life jacket traps heat and can buy valuable time. Going into a fetal position on your back by clasping your arms below your knees also reduces heat loss; a group of people in the water can also huddle together for warmth. Keeping your core as warm as possible will prevent hypothermia and keep you conscious as long as possible. Hypothermia will set in once your body’s temperature drops and has lost more heat than it can produce, leading to a slower breath and pulse rate.
Step 3: Rescue –If you are able to get back onto your boat or are rescued by someone else, there are a few important things to know to ensure that you don’t suffer from post-rescue collapse, which occurs when cold blood moves too quickly to the heart and can lead to a fatal heart attack or stroke.
Remove Wet Clothes – If you are alone, remove your wet clothes and immediately put on dry clothes. If you rescue someone from cold water and they are awake, take off their wet clothes and get them into something dry.
Warm Up Slowly – Start by getting your core warm before focusing on your extremities. Don’t get into a hot bath or run your hands under hot water and don’t rub the arms and legs to stimulate circulation because you could be risking moving the chilled blood toward the core, which can be fatal. Wrap up in blankets or towels and stay out of the wind.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine – Neither of these options actually warms up a person who has been immersed in cold water, and they could be dangerous. In fact, it is best to avoid all food or drinks until trained medical help is provided to avoid choking.
Seek Medical Help Immediately – Even if you think you are fine, it is best to have an EMT or hospital check you out to be sure. They can treat frostbite and are knowledgeable about how to rewarm people. If a cold water immersion victim is found unconscious, it is possible that they can be revived under competent medical care, even if hours have passed.
Taking the proper precautions, knowing what to expect, and having a plan of action can save your life. Be extra careful when boating in cold water to avoid cold water immersion.
If you found this article helpful, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women.
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