T&T: Man do I love winter

[Kevin Redden]

> -----Original Message-----
> I took the kids out today for a boat ride here in the cold northeast (Boston).
> It was GREAT!
> 34 degrees, light wind, full sun. .................
> ...............................
> Winter in New England is great, nobody on the water, calm weather,
> does it get any better? 

One of the big issues of boating in cold water is the greatly increased risk to
the crew in case of a problem.

While in warm weather, if the worse happens, we just put on a PFD and go
swimming while we wait for a nearby boater to come pluck us out of the water.

I cold water however, the biggest danger is from hypothermia due to the cold
water, not from drowning. Remember, most of the victims from the Titanic had on
life jackets and floated just fine, but were killed by the cold water.

The US Coast Guard considers cold water to be such a high risk to their own
crews, that when water temperatures get below 60 degrees F, small boat crews
(<65') are required to wear Mustang suits ("anti-expose coverall" in CG
parlance), and when water and air temps get below 50 degrees F., the crews are
required to wear dry suites with thermal underwear.

An added danger in cold water operations is that in many locations there are far
fewer operational boats in the area that could come to your aid in case of a
problem - in other words, you're on your own in case of trouble.  In 32 degree F
water, you've got about 15 minutes 'till unconsciousness, and 30 to 90 minutes
until death.

If going boating on cold water, be real careful out there, and have protective
clothing for the crew!

Kevin Redden