Northeast Ohio Outdoors

Ohio Boater Safety: Prevent Hypothermia

By Lou Yuhasz on March 20th, 2009

COLUMBUS, OH – Perhaps about the only thing worse than the embarrassment of wetting your pants while boating or fishing is to sustain an unexpected, full-body immersion into cold water which can lead to hypothermia that requires medical treatment or  that may lead to a fatality. Hypothermia is a condition in which body temperature drops below normal due to exposure to cold temperatures.

“Among people most at risk of hypothermia due to a cold water immersion are recreational boaters and anglers who are not dressed properly for the water temperatures,” said Pamela Dillon, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. “Boating safety begins with the choices boaters make before leaving the dock and this time of year that  should include due regard to taking steps that will reduce the risks of hypothermia exposure.”

Observers indicate that most people are inclined to dress for the air temperature instead of water temperatures when enjoying outdoors recreation on or near the water.

In most cases, water temperatures of Ohio waterways remain bone chilling and are  very slow to warm during March, April and early May. Following are some safety tips to follow to help reduce exposure to the risks of hypothermia while boating  and fishing. Additional information on boating safety tips, education programs and more can be found online at www.ohiodnr.com and by calling the Division of watercraft toll-free at 1-877-4BOATER.

• Dress for existing water temperatures and not air temperatures when boating in earlyspring. Wear layers of protective clothing that include neoprene, polypropylene, wool, synthetic fleece and Goretex. Avoid 100 percent cotton and denim garments such as blue jeans, sweatshirts and flannel shirts. The final layer of protectiveclothing should always be a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket or vest.

• Carry a cellphone inside a plastic bag in a case an emergency should arise.

• Avoid alcohol consumption to help prevent the onset of hypothermia symptoms.

• Avoid capsizing and swamping by ensuring that boats are not overloaded and are properly loaded and balanced before leaving the launch ramp or dock. Properly and safely anchor a boat from the bow when using a single line.

• File a float plan with a person of responsibility so that assistance may be requested if boaters are significantly overdue in their return from the water.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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