We're heading into a mainly dry, pleasantly warm Memorial Day weekend.
Given the great forecast and limited activities we're able to do at a safe social distance because of the pandemic, area lakes and rivers will likely be packed with boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards this weekend.
In fact, I took my kayak for a ride for a few hours before work this week, and it was absolutely beautiful.
People heading out on the water need to be mindful of the dangers posed by cold water temperatures. While air temperatures have been warm for the past week, it’s easy to forget that it was snowing less than two weeks ago, and that lakes and rivers are much slower to warm.
Cold water can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. Cold water conducts body heat away up to 26 times faster than air of the same temperature. This can cause the extremities to become numb quickly and weaken the ability of muscles to work effectively. Tragically, several people have lost their lives this time of the year in New York lakes and rivers due to drowning in cold water temperatures.
The National Weather Service recommends the following precautions to keep yourself safe and maximize your enjoyment on area waterways:
- Consider postponing small craft boating activities until water temperatures become warmer.
- If you do choose to boat, kayak, canoe, or paddle board this time of year, wear a dry suit appropriate for the water temperatures above.
- Wear all recommended protective gear to guard against the cold water in the event of an accident or capsizing.
- ALWAYS wear your life jacket
