Cold weather boating requires some extra caution.
Photo: Pixabay
The bad news is it’s been a bad year for boating fatalities in Pennsylvania.
The worse news, potentially, is that we’re entering one of the deadliest times of all. Cold weather boating can be fun, but only for those who are prepared.
There are fewer boaters on the water in November and December than, say, mid-summer. But falls into the water now are more likely than ever to result on death.
So says the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which is reminding duck hunters, anglers and others who might venture out that they are required to wear a life jacket from Nov. 1 through April 30 while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any canoe or kayak.
That applies to all Pennsylvania waters.
“Life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on a boat,” says Ryan Walt, the commission’s boating and watercraft safety manager. “According to Pennsylvania’s boating accident reports, almost 80 percent of all boating fatalities happen to boaters not wearing a life jacket.
“A disproportionate number of the fatalities occur during the months of November through April. During these cold weather months, boaters are especially at risk due to the water temperature and the risk of sudden cold water immersion.”
The cause of death in cold water boating accidents is not necessarily hypothermia, as many suspect, but cold water immersion.
According to the commission, when a boater falls into water that’s less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, their first reaction is usually an involuntary “gasp.”
When that happens in the shower, a person gets a mouthful of air. When it happens on the water, after capsizing or falling overboard, the result is a mouthful of water.
They sometimes never recover.
“Without a life jacket, a victim may inhale while under water and drown without coming back to the surface. If an individual does make it back to the surface, his ability to swim is usually restricted because of a shortness of breath or hyperventilation,” the commission said.
Already, the state has seen more fatalities than usual.
As of Oct. 11, 115 people died in boating accidents.
There were 12 all of 2016 and just four in 2015.
The all-time high for fatalities was 2006, when 25 people lost their lives.
Three fatal accidents occurred in April of this year. All involved people in kayaks. One had no life jacket, while another had one but was wearing it improperly.
May accounted for four accidents and five deaths, June one death, July two and August one. Three more people died in September.
Cold weather boating safety tips
- Anyone planning to fish, boat or hunt from a boat this fall or winter is encouraged to follow these cold water survival safety tips from the Fish and Boat Commission.
- Always wear a life jacket, even when not required. Many models also offer insulation from cold air. Read the life jacket’s approval label to be sure it’s appropriate for your boating activity.
- Never boat alone.
- Leave a float plan with family or friends and know the waters you plan to boat.
- Bring a fully charged cell phone with you in case of emergency.
- Wear clothing that still insulates when wet, such as fleece, polypropylene or other synthetics.
- If you are about to fall into cold water, cover your mouth and nose with your hands. This will reduce the likelihood of inhaling water.
- If possible, stay with the boat. Get back into or climb on top of the boat.
- While in cold water, do not remove your clothing.
- If you can’t get out of the water, get into the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP). In this position, individuals bring their knees to their chest and hug them with their arms.
- Once out of the water, remove wet clothes and warm up as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention when necessary. Some effects of exposure to cold temperatures can be delayed.
