Helpful Hints for Enjoying the Cooold Fall Waters!
October 31, 2018Boaters, Fisherman, Kayakers and Paddleboarders are still going out on the water.... and the water is getting COOLD !
Here are some basics of boating to follow during the brisk days of Fall:
Did you know a life jacket is required in CT from Oct 1st- May 31st on all manually propelled vessels? So if you are going kayaking or paddle boarding, be sure to have one!
The temperature is usually 10 degrees colder out on the water than on land. Be sure to wear layers of clothing, as well as hats and gloves.
There are far fewer boats on the water during the Fall. Be sure to bring a cell phone and VHF radio to ensure help if necessary.
Check the weather. Use the links included on our home page to see the current weather in Norwalk from the weather station atop the Cove Administration building and the links for current radar.
Make a float plan so someone will know you are going out… and call to tell them that you returned safely.
Double check your boat, your gear, your engine, your safety equipment.
Do a risk assessment – what could go wrong and what you can do now to prevent it.
Know the signs, symptoms and prevention of Hypothermia. Sudden immersion in cold water can have severe physiological consequences, including cardiac arrest, quick loss of body heat (since the body loses heat 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air) and involuntary inhalation of water (gasping) that results in drowning. To really understand hypothermia see the website: Cold Water Bootcamp for more information.
Remember, alcohol can make you loose body heat, defeating the body’s natural heat regulation.
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