Northampton

... National safe boating week may 18 through may 24...

This is the fifth in a daily series of messages produced by the
partnered National Weather Service and National safe boating Council.

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

Those venturing out need to be aware of the dangers posed by low
water temperatures. On warm days..its easy to Overlook the fact
that the water temperature can be much lower than the air
temperature.

Immersion in cold water can quickly become life threatening. Water
temperatures in the upper 30s and 40s can cause an immersed person
without a wet suit to develop hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
In fact... .the human being cannot survive in water temperatures that
are in the 50s or 60s for very long... as water conducts heat away
from the body 26 times faster than the 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 enjoyment of the nations waterways.

Consider postponing small craft boating activities until water
temperatures become warmer in late Spring or Summer.

When you do boat... canoe or kayak... wear appropriate protective gear
and clothing in the event of exposure to the cold water.

No matter what the season... wear a life jacket!

Always file a float plan... letting a close family member or friend
know your plans as well as your boats communication capability and
the physical details of your craft. All of this information can
assist Rescue personnel in the event you should get in trouble.

Safety first... always!