Harding, Illinois

... This is safe boating week...
... Hypothermia...

The following is a safe boating message from the National safe
boating Council and the National Weather Service.

After a long winter... thoughts naturally turn toward warm weather
recreational activities. Unseasonably warm afternoons of the Spring
frequently attract boaters and other recreational enthusiasts to our
beautiful lakes... rivers... streams and coastal waters.

Those venturing out need to be aware of the dangers posed by low
water temperatures. On warm days... it is easy to Overlook the fact
that water temperature may be much lower than the air temperature.
Furthermore... some rivers and streams are fed by cold runoff from
the melting of snow upstream.

Immersion in cold water can rapidly become life threatening. Should
your craft capsize... or you fall in a swift river... hypothermia in
water with temperatures in the upper 30s and 40s can occur in just a
matter of minutes. In fact... the human body cannot survive in water
temperatures in the 50s and 60s for very long as water conducts body
heat away 26 times faster than air of the same temperature. The cold
water rapidly causes extremities to become numb... weakening the
ability of muscles to work effectively.

The National Weather Service urges the following safety measures to
protect yourself and maximize your enjoyment of our nations
waterways.

Consider postponing small craft boating activities until water
temperatures become warmer in late Spring and Summer. Keep in mind
that even unseasonably warm air temperatures on mild Spring and fall
afternoons can drop rapidly later in the day.

When you do boat... canoe... or kayak... wear appropriate protective
gear and clothing in the event of exposure... accident or capsize.
Remember no matter the season... when you are on the water always
wear a life jacket.

Always file a float plan... letting a close family member or friend
know your plans... your boats communication capability... and the
physical details of your craft... all of which will assist Rescue
personnel in the event you get into trouble.

Safe boating is no accident. Please take the time to think safety
first and plan appropriately for weather and water conditions before
heading out on our oceans... lakes... rivers... and streams.

This message was brought to you by the National Weather Service and
the National safe boating Council. Visit the National Weather
Service on the web at www.Weather.Gov and the National safe boating
Council at www.Safeboatingcouncil.Org.