Staying Safe When Boating in Cold Weather

Although most people prefer to do their boating when it's warm, there's something to be said for taking your boat out when the temperature drops. Of course, boating in cold weather brings with it a unique set of challenges that you need to prepare for if you want your trip to be successful. At Blue Water Boats, we can help you prepare for boating in any weather with our knowledgeable associates and extensive product offerings. To learn more, visit our location in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, serving Atlantic City, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Make Yourself Known

If you fall in the water, you want to make yourself easy to find. That's why it's important to wear either a personal position locator beacon or a personal emergency locator light. You can use these devices together for even greater safety. While a beacon allows you to be found by rescue personnel from a long distance away, a light ensures that the rescue personnel will spot you once they get close enough to perform a rescue.

Test Your Radio

Your emergency radio is one of the most critical pieces of equipment on your boat. A properly functioning radio can make the difference between life and death for someone thrown overboard in cold weather. That's why you want to take some time to test it while you're still close to land so that you can be sure it will perform when you need it most. You'll also want to be sure that your backup battery is completely charged so that you can use your radio even if your boat's electrical system fails.

Immersion Suit

Even if you remain on your boat, you could still suffer from hypothermia due to splashing water. That's why an immersion suit is a good idea for any cold-weather boating. Plus, if you find yourself overboard, an immersion suit helps you float and stay warm so that rescue crews have more time to find you before you succumb to the elements. It's important to carefully check your immersion suit for any rips or cracks before you don it so that you can be sure it will do its job.

Waterproof Flares

For a boat or boater in distress at night, it's hard to beat a waterproof flare to help increase the chances of a successful rescue. Flares can be seen from miles away in many weather conditions, meaning you'll help take the guesswork out of locating your boat. Although they're resistant to water intrusion, you'll still want to store your flares in a waterproof container.

It's important to understand the risks of cold-weather boating before you head out on an excursion during the off-season. With expert assistance from Blue Water Boats, you'll be prepared to take on whatever nature throws at you. Visit our location in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, serving Atlantic City, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to begin your preparations today.