Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to put the boat away. Cold weather boating is a great activity, but there are extra precautions you must take to stay safe out on the water.
Wear a life jacket
This should go for any time of the year, but especially so during the wintertime. If you fall into the water, the frigid temperatures can quickly take a toll. Within one minute, your body will be in shock, and after ten minutes, you’ll lose muscle control. A life jacket, however, will help you keep afloat when the freezing temperatures start to take their effect.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature
Cold water has a much harsher effect on our body than cold air does. In that respect, you should dress for the water temperature instead of the air temperature. Wear extra layers, and always keep an extra set of clothes on hand in case you get wet.
Have a float plan
The winter waters can be dangerous, so it’s always best to have a float plan in place just in case of emergencies. A good float plan will say where you’re going, when you’re going, your contact information, and the make and model of your boat. You can also fill out the U.S. Coast Guard’s Float Plan here.
Service your boat for the season
Finally, while it’s important to prepare yourself for cold weather boating, you should also prepare your boat as well. Properly winterizing your boat will make sure that your boat can withstand everything that Old Man Winter has to throw at it, no matter if you keep it out on the water or in storage.
If you plan on cold weather boating this season, then you’ll need a proper dock to secure your boat. At V-Dock, we have plenty of docks that are perfect for any season. Look through our inventory or give us a call at 1-888-888-DOCK today for more information.
