Boating in winter? Keep these tips in mind

Power for Progress…

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Boating in winter? Keep these tips in mind

While the temperatures and the shoreline scenery may be different in the winter, many still consider this time of the year to be perfect for a boat ride across the waters of Grand or Hudson lakes.

However, because safe boating is something that should be practiced year-round, there are some extra precautions you should take for winter boating. Also, there are some extra items you should have with you. Your friends at the Grand River Dam Authority offer the following tips:

• First, cell phones: Typically, during winter boating, there is less traffic on the water, which means fewer boaters around to assist you if you get into trouble. Therefore, having a working a cell phone is vital for emergency or non-emergency help. 
• A whistle – attached to your life jacket – is also an important for winter-time boaters. If you can produce a loud and effective call for help with a whistle, you will use less energy than shouting for help and waving your arms.
• If you do have trouble and go into the water, remember that cold water can rob your body of heat 25 times faster than cold air and that means the time of exposure needed to experience hypothermia is drastically reduced.
• If your boat does capsize, your main priority is to get as much of your body out of the water as you can. If possible, climb on the overturned vessel or nearby debris, or get to the nearest shore or dock.
• Also, because wet clothing is colder than less clothing and can lead to hypothermia more quickly, remove as much of the wet clothing as possible, as soon as possible. You will be warmer with less clothing than with wet clothing.
• Of course, whether you are boating in winter, spring, summer or fall, it is important to file a “float plan” any time you visit the water. Let someone know where you intend to be boating, who is going with you and when you expect to return.
• Finally, and always, wear a life jacket.

For even more information on cold weather boating, including additional information on proper clothing, visit coldwaterbootcampusa.org. Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe on the water, in any season.