Enjoy Spring Boating Safely

Enjoy Spring Boating Safely
http://www2.townonline.com/ (2005-04-15)

After what was one of the snowiest winters on record, spring has finally arrived. With daylight savings time here, the days are getting longer and warmer and local boaters thoughts may be turning to area rivers and streams.

But early spring, with those heavy April showers and still frigid water temperatures can be a particularly dangerous time to set out for a day of paddling or kayaking on the North or South Rivers.

Recent rainfall combined with melting snow have stirred up local waterways and caused them to rise to flood stage.Strong currents and turbulent waters can be an unexpected hazard to even experienced boaters.

Coast Guard and state recreational boating specialists advise early spring boaters, paddlers and fishers to use extreme caution if they plan to boat or paddle on any of the rivers, streams and creeks of the Northeast.

Al Johnson, the Northeast’s First Coast Guard District recreational boating safety specialist warns boaters and paddlers to be, "high water and cold water wary." "When heavy rains, couple with spring snow melt, push water levels to the flood stage," Johnson said, "it drastically alters the characteristics of the flow. High waters cover the usually exposed hazards creating strainers from downed trees, low bushes, etc. Strainers, creating a funnel effect, can cause havoc with smaller craft and easily capsize a small boat, canoe or kayak and trap a person suddenly thrown into the water."

And if that isn’t enough, Johnson advises all early-season boaters and paddlers to not only be prepared for the hazards of high water but also to be prepared for cold-water immersion. "A sudden spill into frigid waters will incapacitate most people within minutes," says Johnson.

"Coastal and inland water temperatures are in the 38 to 40 degree range," said Johnson, "and boaters or paddlers have to be prepared for sudden cold water immersion." Johnson stresses the need for boaters and paddlers to always wear a life jacket. He points out there are many styles of comfortable life jackets.