National Weather Service: “Cold Water Can Kill You”
The National Weather Service (NWS) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) have partnered together this year for Cold Water Safety Awareness Week, April 11-15, 2022. Unfortunately we have been reminded of the danger of cold water across our area over the last few Spring seasons, through the deaths of several boaters and kayakers each year. In fact, according to the USCG, from 2010 to 2020 there were 219 recreational boating deaths in the local Tri-State waters; many of which were presumed from cold water drowning.
The warming weather over the next couple of months will only increase the number of people heading onto the water in the pursuit of outdoor activities that are compliant with social distancing practices. Although average high temperatures are rising through the 60s in April and into the lower to mid 70s in May, our water temperatures will still be cold. Local water temperatures typically don't warm above 50 degrees until early May, and then the upper 50s by late May. Many will head to our coastal and inland waters to enjoy the warm weather on small boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards; but ocean currents, rip currents, wave action, and boat wakes enhance the threat of people falling into or overturning into these cold waters.
Did you know cold water drains body heat up to 25 times faster than cold air? Survival time is greatly diminished when water temperatures are below 60 degrees, and that is reduced to only a few minutes when water temperatures are less than 50 degrees. When cold water makes contact with your skin, cold shock causes an immediate loss of breathing control. This dramatically increases the risk of sudden drowning even if the water is calm and the person knows how to swim. The danger is even greater if the water is rough. Immersion in cold water is immediately life-threatening for anyone not wearing thermal protection, like a wetsuit or drysuit, and not wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), like a life jacket.
Next week, the National Weather Service and USCG will be highlighting the following cold water dangers, preparedness, and safety information through social media and web campaigns. Topics include:
Monday 4/11: Cold Water Safety Overview
Tuesday 4/12: Cold Water Shock
Wednesday 4/13: Physical Incapacitation
Thursday 4/14: Hypothermia
Friday 4/15: Cold Water Resources, Preparedness and Action
Additionally, in an effort to provide more situational awareness and urgency to the hazard in the Spring, NWS NY will be issuing Marine Weather Statements ahead of good boating weekends and holidays when air temps are expected to get to 70 degrees or higher along the coast, while water temps are still less than 60 degrees (typically through end of May). These statements will be highlighted on our NWS New York, NY homepage, and available directly at National Weather Service Text Product Display and through NWSChat. We will also headline these statements on our Top News of the Day and send out accompanying social media posts. Please help us amplify this messaging when it is issued!
For more in depth information on the risks of cold water, cold water safety, and cold water preparedness, take a look at our NWS Cold Water Hazards and Safety Page and the following resources: