Press Release
October 26, 2012
Randy Simons
Dan Keefe
518-486-1868
State Parks Urges Boaters to Be Wary of Cold Water
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey today reminded boaters of the dangers of sudden unexpected cold water immersion during fall boating trips, especially on small boats.
"As the days grow shorter and the foliage brighter, many kayakers and canoeists take advantage of the season's waning opportunities to enjoy the state's water resources," Harvey said. "In doing so, it's essential to recognize that water temperatures are dropping with each passing day. Wearing a life jacket can help boaters avoid a pleasant day quickly turning into a tragic one."
The NYS Office of Parks and Recreation along with the United States Coast Guard strongly recommend wearing life jackets, especially while aboard small manually propelled watercraft. State law requires life jackets be worn by anyone on a boat less than 21 feet in length between November 1st and May 1st.
The physiology of cold water immersion includes an uncontrollable gasp reflex, leading to hyperventilation, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as limbs become numb. Having a life jacket on may keep your head above water and support your body should swimming ability fail or you become unconscious.
This simple proactive step of wearing a life jacket will greatly increase your chances of rescue. Additionally it is recommended that all boaters:
- Properly equip and carry essential safety gear, signaling devices and whistles;
- Consider taking a cell phone or radio along with you in a watertight bag;
- Always let others know where you're going and when to expect your return;
- Take a boating safety or paddle sport skills course;
Refrain from mixing alcohol with boating. Should you ever find yourself in the water it is recommended that you stay with - and preferably on top of - your boat. Never overestimate your swimming ability, especially in cold water. All too often people underestimate the distance to shore or the effects of cold water and unfortunately drown while attempting to make it to safety. Of New York's 25 fatalities associated with recreational boating in 2011, almost a third of those deaths involved small manually propelled watercraft, occurring either early or late in the season when water temperatures were cold. In almost every one of those fatal accidents life jackets were not worn and in some cases weren't even on board at the time of the accident. The Coast Guard estimates that 80 % of all boating accident deaths might have been prevented had a life jacket been worn.
For more information on safer boating and cold water risks visit http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/.