Southern Fairfield

... Safe boating week is may 18-24 2013...

The National Weather Service and the National safe boating Council
will partner for National safe boating week may 18-24. This week
will highlight relevant weather and safety specific public service
announcements for the recreational boating public.

Today we will talk about hypothermia.

Hypothermia is a condition in which body core temperature drops
below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body
functions... which is defined as 95 degrees. If exposed to cold... the
internal mechanisms are unable to replenish the heat that is being
lost... and a drop in core temperature occurs. As body temperature
decreases... characteristic symptoms occur such as shivering and
mental confusion.

Heat is lost more quickly in water than on land. Water temperatures
that would be quite reasonable as outdoor air temperatures can lead
to hypothermia. A water temperature of 50 degrees often leads to
death in one hour... and water temperatures hovering at freezing can
lead to death in as little as 15 minutes. Water at a seemingly warm
temperature of 79 degrees will... after prolonged exposure... lead to
hypothermia.

For more information on hazardous weather and boating safety... visit
the following websites...

Http://www.NWS.NOAA.Gov/safeboating

Http://www.Safeboatingcouncil.Org

Publication information statements are online at

Http://www.NWS.NOAA.Gov/om/notif.Htm