We are finally getting a taste of cooler weather, and our waters are starting to cool down, ever so slightly.

With the cooler air and waters, it is important to remember that hypothermia is a real risk in our area. There are four stages of cold-water immersion that can lead to incapacitation and death:

  • Stage 1, Initial immersion responses or cold shock;
  • Stage 2, Short-term immersion or swimming failure;
  • Stage 3, Long-term immersion or hypothermia;
  • Stage 4, Post-rescue collapse.

Remember! Your vessel is the best survival craft. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, don’t unnecessarily and prematurely abandon ship. First, send a distress message / Turn on EPIRB. Have everyone on board put on a life jacket if they do not already have one on. Prepare everyone to abandon ship, discuss your plan one you are in the water to prevent panic.
If you do have to enter the water, try to minimize time in water. Keep body out of water as much as possible. If you have floating items, such as coolers, use them to support you. Do not swim aimlessly. Swimming can decrease your body’s ability to retain heat, protecting your vital organs. If you do not have an exposure suit, use the H.E.L.P. position to conserve heat. The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) is a position to reduce heat loss and stay afloat in cold water while waiting for rescue. Draw your knees up to your chest, hold your arms at your sides, and fold your lower arms against your chest. Form a huddle with other survivors to support each other and make it easier for rescuers to see you.
As Sherrie says, safe boating is no accident!!

If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.

Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.