MARCH 26, 2015
NEW YORK, NY
With Spring officially here and air temperatures rising, the
Coast Guard is urging mariners, paddle boarders, and water enthusiasts to use
caution when returning to the water.
Every year the Coast Guard responds to cold water accidents
resulting in the untimely deaths of unsuspecting boaters.
“It was a harsh winter and everyone is looking forward to
getting back on the water,” said Cmdr. Jonathan Theel, Coast Guard Sector Long
Island Sound chief of response. “People want to enjoy the sun and warm air
temperatures, but the water is still very cold.”
Despite air temperatures reaching 50 degrees recently, water
temperatures remain below 40. Under these conditions, a person in the water
will begin to suffer from hypothermia within 72 minutes. However, a person in
the water can lose the ability to swim and keep themselves afloat much sooner.
“Survival time in water this cold is based upon many
factors,” said Theel. “Surviving is very different than being able to swim to
safety. A person’s ability to live through any condition is greatly enhanced by
wearing the right safety gear such as a lifejacket or immersion suit.”
The Coast Guard reminds mariners to inspect their emergency
gear and review their plans and procedures for several different types of
accidents.
“Now is the perfect time to take a look at your emergency
preparedness,” said Theel. “Inspect your lifejackets, life rings and flares.
Ensure that your radio and navigational devices are functioning properly, have
your fire extinguishers serviced and become familiar with your gear. Knowing
what to do and having reliable gear will save your life in an emergency
situation.”
Theel notes that the same applies to water sport
enthusiasts.
“Everyone should have a float plan, which is shared with
someone ashore. This is particularly important for those with kayaks, canoes,
and paddle boards, which don’t have a marine radio.”
For owners of smaller watercraft, simple identification such
as a person’s name and phone number printed legibly and made visible can assist
Coast Guard search and rescue crews in contacting the owner if the vessel is
located unmanned and adrift.
The Coast Guard recommends everyone in any type of
watercraft have access to a lifejacket and know how to use it. Lifejackets with
an auto-inflate must follow additional maintenance and inspection requirements
to ensure they will work when needed.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers complimentary vessel safety
checks as well as public education courses and electronic float plans. To find
the nearest Auxiliary Flotilla and for more boating safety resources, visit http://ift.tt/1HMinzL and www.uscgboating.org.