COLUMBUS, OH - Two recent boating fatalities along with several other nonfatal accidents in late January point to the need for boaters to take extra precautions and be adequately prepared when boating this time of year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Most inland waters and Lake Erie presently are free of ice, but water temperatures remain just above freezing and present a high risk of hypothermia should someone unexpectedly fall into the water.
Being adequately prepared for existing conditions should be a boaters first concern when going out on the water any time of the year, said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
One fatality occurred January 24 on the Ashtabula River and a second fatality occurred January 29 on Maumee Bay. Both victims fell overboard into the water when their canoes capsized and sustained extreme exposure due to hypothermia, which is a rapid cooling of core body temperature.
The ODNR Division of Watercraft offers these winter boating safety tips:
- Let friends or family know your expected departure and return times.
- Carry a cell phone.
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Wear protective clothing such as an exposure suit, dry suit, or other types of insulating fabrics.
- Be prepared for an emergency such as a fall overboard.
- If a cold-water immersion occurs, try to get out of the water as soon as possible.
- Do not attempt to remove clothing or shoes when in the water.
- Get rescue assistance immediately.
The following chart provides a general idea of expected survival time when fully exposed to various water temperatures. Factors that may alter these estimates include clothing or protective gear, the individuals health condition, and water conditions. Additional information on boating safety, education and other boating programs can be obtained from the ODNR web page at www.ohiodnr.com
For Further Information Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882