Neapolis, Ohio

... Hypothermia...

The following is a safe boating message from the National safe
boating Council and the National Weather Service for this years
National safe boating week may 17th through the 24th.

After a long winter... thoughts naturally turn toward warm weather
recreational activities. Unseasonably warm afternoons of the Spring
and fall 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 the water temperature may be much lower than the air
temperature. Furthermore... some rivers and streams are fed by cold
runoff from the melting 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
extremeties 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 in 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 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.