Cold Weather Precautions

State Parks reminds boaters and hunters to be cautious of cold water

This fall saw its share of unseasonably warm and sunny days, but the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation reminds those who are boating, paddling, or hunting from a boat that as the air has cooled, so have the State’s waters.

“It can be easy to forget that winter is upon us when a bright, mild day or two pops up. It is tempting to grasp at the last glimpses of warm weather by hitting the water in your kayak for one more paddle,” says Marine Services Bureau Education Specialist Rosaria DiSanto. “But a fall or winter excursion on the water requires a little more preparation and caution than a summer boat trip. Just a few adjustments to your pre-trip planning can be the difference between a memorable adventure and an avoidable tragedy.”

Boaters, paddlers, hunters and anglers should take the following precautions when heading out on the water during the fall and winter months:

ALWAYS wear your life jacket. In fact, lifejacket wear is legally required for all people on board a recreational boat that is less than 21-feet in length between November 1 and May 1. With an increased risk of hypothermia and decreased marine patrol presence during these months, assistance can be further away in the event of an accident, so wearing your lifejacket is crucial.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Open water during these months is less than 40 degrees, which can lead to hypothermia quickly. Choose clothing made from fabrics like wool that hold in body heat when wet. Avoid cotton. Dress in layers and consider investing in a dry suit, wetsuit, or float coat to keep you warm. Your outermost layer should be your lifejacket. Bring a dry bag with an extra set of warm clothes.

Use the buddy system and let someone know your plans. Whenever possible, avoid going out alone. Let someone you trust know your trip plans, including who is going on the trip, where you are going, when you plan to leave and return, and a description of your vessel(s). Check in with that person before you leave and when you return. Instruct that person to contact emergency services in the event you do not return when expected.

Know the conditions before you head out. In addition to the weather conditions, do your research on water conditions. Check for ice starting to form and be aware that water can freeze if temperatures drop throughout the day. Be sure your entire route is open. Avoid wood and branch piles on the water – they can pull you underwater and hold you there with little chance of escape.
The mission of the Marine Services Bureau of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to promote recreational and commercial boating safety throughout the State of New York. In accomplishing this mission, the Office provides several regulatory, educational, and training programs to ensure boater safety, both for residents and visitors alike.

For more information about these programs, visit https://parks.ny.gov/boating/, email the Marine Services Bureau at boating@parks.ny.gov or call 518-474-0445.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by more than 78 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.