Tips for boating safety, surviving cold water

Tips for boating safety, surviving cold water

(Utah State Parks)


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SALT LAKE CITY — With the warm spring weather, many Utahns are heading out early onto the state’s lakes and reservoirs for boating and Utah State Parks officials gave some tips for safe boating in colder temperatures.

With the recent death of a Morgan County angler, Utah State Parks officials want to remind boaters and anglers to be aware of the cold water temperatures and to be prepared. Immersion in cold water can be immediately life-threatening, officials said.

“You never know when you might end up in the water,” Utah State Parks boating program manager Ty Hunter said in a news release. “Cold water shock causes immediate loss of breathing control. When your muscles and nerves get cold enough, they simply stop working.”

Hunter said, on average, it takes an hour or longer for an adult to develop hypothermia. He said it is crucial for people to remain calm if they end up in the water and to always wear a life jacket.

“Wearing a life jacket not only keeps you afloat, but buys you survival time,” he said.

Hunter said people should always follow these safety tips if they end up in the water:

  • Always wear your life jacket.
  • Stay calm and don’t panic.
  • Get your breathing under control — cold water will be a shock.
  • Make meaningful movements — try to get back in the boat or to shore.
  • Have a ladder or a method to re-board your boat in case you fall in.
  • Keep a cellphone in a waterproof container and make sure it’s accessible.

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UtahOutdoors
Faith Heaton Jolley

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