Boaters Cautioned to Stay Safe in Cold Conditions
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.â€â€ÂÂÂThe winter season is upon us and with the temperatures staying at or below freezing, the Coast Guard would like to remind mariners to stay safe while out on the water.
Being prepared could be the difference between life and death in icy water. You can be prepared by knowing what the ice conditions are in your area or what the weather will be. You can also be prepared by knowing a few simple facts about the dangers of ice. Remember, no ice is safe ice.
By watching your local weather forecast, you can get information on your areas temperatures. A minimum of 36 hours of sustained freezing temperatures is generally a good predictor of ice. Also, by visiting websites such as www.uscg.mil/d5/ICE_REPORT/index.htm, you can get reliable up to date information on ice forming in and around your waterways.
The average water temperature of rivers and bays in our local area during the winter is 42 degrees. A person has a survival time of about three hours in that water temperature. Having a properly fitting Coast Guard approved immersion suit for everyone on board a vessel will greatly improve their chances of survival from being exposed to icy water, In addition, if more than one person is in the water, it is suggested that you huddle with one another and stay close to preserve body heat.
When water temperatures drop below 70 degrees, hypothermia can become a fatal factor. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body core temperature and symptoms include shivering, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and weakness. Immersion suits increase your chance of not suffering from hypothermia.
Another way to improve survivability in the water is to stay as still as possible. Trying to swim to shore will only burn much needed body heat and energy. There is also a position called the Heat Escape Lessening Position, or H.E.L.P. This position is done by tucking your legs into your chest and crossing your arms, hugging yourself. This position will reduce the loss of body heat by as much as 50 percent.
Playing on the ice is a dangerous idea and could have fatal results. By not playing on the ice, you will not require any rescue teams to come to your assistance, therefore freeing up much needed assets in case of another emergency. Ice may look solid enough to walk on, but chances are it is not.
Any person that plans on going out on the water for any reason is also advised to carry safety equipment on board. Carrying items such as VHF-FM marine radio, oars or paddles in case the engine dies, first aid kits, day and night visual distress signaling devices, compass and charts of local areas and foul weather gear will greatly aid mariners in case of an emergency.
Boaters Cautioned to Stay Safe in Cold Conditions
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.â€â€ÂÂÂThe winter season is upon us and with the temperatures staying at or below freezing, the Coast Guard would like to remind mariners to stay safe while out on the water.
Being prepared could be the difference between life and death in icy water. You can be prepared by knowing what the ice conditions are in your area or what the weather will be. You can also be prepared by knowing a few simple facts about the dangers of ice. Remember, no ice is safe ice.
By watching your local weather forecast, you can get information on your areas temperatures. A minimum of 36 hours of sustained freezing temperatures is generally a good predictor of ice. Also, by visiting websites such as
www.uscg.mil/d5/ICE_REPORT/index.htm, you can get reliable up to date information on ice forming in and around your waterways.The average water temperature of rivers and bays in our local area during the winter is 42 degrees. A person has a survival time of about three hours in that water temperature. Having a properly fitting Coast Guard approved immersion suit for everyone on board a vessel will greatly improve their chances of survival from being exposed to icy water, In addition, if more than one person is in the water, it is suggested that you huddle with one another and stay close to preserve body heat.
When water temperatures drop below 70 degrees, hypothermia can become a fatal factor. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body core temperature and symptoms include shivering, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and weakness. Immersion suits increase your chance of not suffering from hypothermia.
Another way to improve survivability in the water is to stay as still as possible. Trying to swim to shore will only burn much needed body heat and energy. There is also a position called the Heat Escape Lessening Position, or H.E.L.P. This position is done by tucking your legs into your chest and crossing your arms, hugging yourself. This position will reduce the loss of body heat by as much as 50 percent.
Playing on the ice is a dangerous idea and could have fatal results. By not playing on the ice, you will not require any rescue teams to come to your assistance, therefore freeing up much needed assets in case of another emergency. Ice may look solid enough to walk on, but chances are it is not.
Any person that plans on going out on the water for any reason is also advised to carry safety equipment on board. Carrying items such as VHF-FM marine radio, oars or paddles in case the engine dies, first aid kits, day and night visual distress signaling devices, compass and charts of local areas and foul weather gear will greatly aid mariners in case of an emergency.