ENJOY SML SAFELY THIS WINTER
With air and water temperatures at Smith Mountain Lake dropping, it’s important to know how to stay safe in cold water, whether you’re out boating, fishing, or even just at the dock.
Cold Water Can Be Deadly
Initial immersion in cold water causes an involuntary gasp for breath followed by uncontrolled rapid breathing. Inhaling even a small amount of water can cause respiratory distress and immediate drowning. Your best defense is wearing a personal floatation device (PFD), which can help keep your head above water in the initial seconds after entry into the water, even if you are having trouble breathing.
While inflatable PFDs are convenient and easy to wear, as the temperature approaches freezing, they may become less effective, taking longer to inflate and possibly inflating less completely. Consider wearing a Type II classic PFD or Type III ski vest or float coat instead during cold weather. Remember that you will likely be unable to put a PFD on once in the water.
If you do find yourself in the water, the Coast Guard recommends against sustained swimming. Swimming increases the rate of body cooling by 30-40%, and cold water on the nose and mouth can cause you to stop breathing.
Unless you’re able to exit the water immediately or there is no other help available, you are better off floating in the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP), with your knees pulled up to your chest and your arms wrapped around your legs and chest. Keep your head and face out of the water. Understand that your ability to self-rescue, even something as simple as climbing a boarding ladder, may last only a few minutes.
Cold Water Safety Tips
Here are a few specific tips to help you enjoy a safe time on the wintertime water:
☑️ Wear your life jacket, and clip on a whistle
☑️ Dress for the water temperature, not the weather – cold water is just as dangerous on a sunny winter day
☑️ Bring extra clothes in a dry bag on your boat in case someone in your party gets wet.
☑️ Energy Bars and a thermos with a warm beverage are also great to have on hand on your boat.
☑️ Consider boating with a buddy
☑️ Tell someone where you’re going and how long you’ll be out, and check in frequently
Dock Safety Tips for Cold Days and Beyond
You may be familiar with your dock, but what about your guests? Floating docks can shift or move when someone steps on them. Children should never be on docks without adult supervision. Elderly visitors may need extra support and awareness.
- Talk with your guests about dock safety.
- Make sure they wear a life jacket on and around the lake
- Offer help when needed
Recently, an elderly gentleman visiting his adult child’s dock fell into the lake, twice—an accident that could have ended much worse. Situations like this highlight why communication and awareness are so important.
Winter on Smith Mountain Lake can be an enjoyable change from the busy summer scene. Just take a few precautions to make your outing a safe one.
