Early season boating and cold water

By Kenneth Winiarski
    Canoeing season is here and the East Grand Outdoor Education program has completed its first three races.
    We have learned about the dangers of cold water and survival rates during classroom time and experienced the effects of cold water first-hand by standing in a tub of ice water. When falling into cold water, it shocks the body and some people react by panicking. Sometimes the muscles that control breathing may retract and not allow you to breath. When falling overboard without a life jacket, your chance of surviving is reduced, and you could be gasping for air under the water. The lifejacket will keep your head above water and provide some warmth. Shortly after the ice goes out, the water temperature is 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit. With the water being this cold, your survival rate is reduced to 15-30 minutes, and you may be unconscious.
Photograph by Kim Sixberry
ON THE RIVER — Kenneth Winiarski with Cassidy Woo paddle the river during last year’s adventure race.
    If you find yourself in the water, you need to put all your effort into getting out as quickly as possible. Get help from other boaters or swim to a nearby shore. As a last resort, climb onto your capsized boat. This may buy you some time. Even when you get out of the water, if it’s cold and windy, you have a chance of getting hypothermia. Hypothermia begins when your body temperature cools down to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Some signs of hypothermia are shivering, your heart rate slows, and your blood pressure lowers.
    Remember to always wear a properly fitting personal flotation device if you are going out on open water. There are many ways to fall into cold water. Some boaters have swamped their boat because of white caps on lakes. Fishermen have lost their balance when casting and have fallen in, and canoeists have capsized going down a fast moving river.
Photograph by Dave Conley
POLING — East Grand outdoor education student Kenneth Winiarski is seen poling in the Bonaventure River on a weeklong canoe trip in Quebec last June. Winiarski plans on doing the trip again this June with the school’s program.
    When the East Grand Outdoor Education class goes out during early season canoe trips, we always properly prepare, go with a group, and bring an extra set of dry clothing in a waterproof bag, in case one of us falls into the water. Maine has an abundance of rivers, lakes and ponds to enjoy, and you can extend your canoeing and boating season with proper gear and training.