Some warm fall days, but beware of cold water

By Roz Butziger
Posted 11/2/16

Cold nights remind us that fall is here even though many days are still sunny and warm. With the change of season, there are additional safe boating precautions, especially for small boats. With the spectacular foliage, fall is a beautiful time for

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Some warm fall days, but beware of cold water

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Cold nights remind us that fall is here even though many days are still sunny and warm. With the change of season, there are additional safe boating precautions, especially for small boats.

With the spectacular foliage, fall is a beautiful time for canoeing and kayaking, and you’ll want to bring a camera along for sure. You may wish to pull over into the woods for lunch, but remember, hunting season is upon us and you probably shouldn’t choose to wear white, the color of a retreating white-tailed deer. Orange is the color that warns the hunters not to shoot. Your PFD can help here, too.

Don’t get lulled by a warm sunny day. The water is still just as cold and a blustery wind can come up any time. In the summer you may enjoy a solo canoe trip, but never do this in cold water. Should you fall in, righting the canoe and climbing back in that was doable in the hot weather will be a monumental task in the muscle-cramping cold water. You’ll need help.

Cold Water Shock is a condition that is brought on by sudden immersion in cold water. It doesn’t have to be freezing. This can occur in water 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When the body is suddenly dumped into very cold water, it causes an involuntary large gasp. If you were not wearing a PFD and your head is underwater when you gasp, your lungs will fill with water and you will drown. Even if your head is out of water and you take in air, there is a sudden increase in blood pressure due to the constriction of the blood vessels. This could lead to a stroke. Your breathing will be out of control, you can become dizzy, and may pass out. Panic sets in right away, and you certainly cannot rescue yourself. Another reason to make sure any fall boating is done with a companion.

Fall and winter is the time for waterfowl hunting. Check to see the dates and get the required permits, but keeping safe must be your top priority. The leading cause of death among waterfowl hunters is not firearms. It is drowning. The flat-bottomed boats popular with duck hunters are very tippy. Make sure you wear a PFD. Float coats are a recognized life preserver and keep you warm as well. There are even special camouflage float coats. Be sure to distribute weight evenly and don’t overload your boat. When considering the weight, remember to think about not only the passengers, but also the gear, and perhaps your dog. Dogs need a PFD also. In cold water their muscles can cramp up and they can sink. Of all hunters, waterfowl hunters have the highest risk for hypothermia. Have warm headgear and gloves. Remember, cotton is slow drying and can wick heat away from your body, while wool can keep you warm even when damp. Think layering.

For canoes, kayaks and small hunting boats, all summertime regulations still apply, but you want to be sure you have a cell phone and a radio in a ziplock bag as well as an extra paddle. Bring an additional sweatshirt or two in a waterproof bag, and add in a survival blanket. Also, don’t forget a flare kit, and whistle. There are fewer people around than in summer, and you will have more trouble attracting attention than in July.

Even if you don’t expect to be out after dark, bring lights. No one caught in an emergency expected it to happen. A headlamp is useful and frees up your hands. Make sure to file a float plan with a reliable friend or family member, and of course call them the minute you get back to avoid a needless search and rescue. Keeping hydrated is always important, but you need to add thermoses of hot coffee and hot chocolate. Think about carbohydrates for energy.

Rhode Island has some excellent late season boating, but be mindful of the extra precautions needed to keep safe.

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