Cold water safety for spring boaters

April 02, 2024| Community, Safety

By: Holly Odgers

There’s nothing like getting out on the water again after a long winter! Warm spring days are perfect for fishing and boating. But even though the air is mild, the lake water can still be frigid and dangerous. 

Cold water immersion can quickly weaken the body, impair coordination and judgment, and even lead to cardiac arrest. Without proper gear or a life jacket, the situation can turn fatal. Stay safe during spring outings by adhering to the below guidelines from the National Safe Boating Council.  

Dos and Don’ts of Cold-Water Boating

• Do make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket. Even experienced swimmers will experience shock within one minute in the frigid water and lose muscle control within 10 minutes.
• Do dress properly for the weather, always wear layers, and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Remember, dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
• Do use your navigation lights to alert other boaters of your presence in dark and/or foggy conditions. Recreational boats operating at night are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise.
• Do catch your breath. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in your lungs to drown. If possible, pinch your nose closed and seal your lips during the initial fall to prevent water intrusion during that gasp.
• Don’t panic if you fall into the water. Stay afloat with the help of your life jacket, regain control of your breathing and keep your head above water in vision of rescuers.
• Don’t keep heavy boots on if you’re in the water. Look for ways to increase your buoyancy. If you’re in the water with others, huddle together with everyone facing inward to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.
• Don’t apply heat to extremities like the arms and legs of a rescued victim. This sudden change in temperature could cause cardiac arrest

Stages of Cold-Water Immersion

• Cold shock. You have one minute to adjust to the cold shock response – don’t panic.

• Swimming failure. You have 10 minutes of meaningful movement to get help and get out of the water.

• Hypothermia. You have about one hour before you become unconscious from hypothermia.

• Post-rescue collapse. You “give up” and collapse after or right at the time of rescue.

Additional Resources 

More information on cold-water survival is available in this informative brochure from the American Canoe Association.

Tips for safer paddling in cold water from Kayak Hipster.

This post is part of our Spring Safety Series.