With the coming of spring and the beautiful weather we have enjoyed the past two weeks, many people want to be out on the water enjoying boating, paddling and fishing. Even though air temperatures have been in the 70s, remember that the water temperature is much colder. Safety is a major concern at this time of year..
The rules of safety such as not standing in a kayak or being aware of weather conditions always apply. But this time of year there is the added danger of cold water, which is far more dangerous than most outdoor enthusiasts realize. Even when it is not legally required, wearing a personal flotation device is a good idea.
My neighbor “Whitewater Dan” Maneen is an skilled veteran paddler with both canoe and kayak. He points out that the combination of cold water temperatures and even moderate air temperatures pose a serious danger from drowning or hypothermia if you are not prepared.
When someone is plunged into water 32-50 degrees, there are a number of severe reactions that are sometime classified as “cold water shock syndrome.” The first reaction is the gasp reflex that often causes a person to inhale water. This is commonly followed by hyperventilation which can lead to unconsciousness or mental confusion and muscle contraction that makes swimming impossible.
Cold water can trigger heart attacks or numb the muscles so that a person can’t grasp a life preserver or even climb out of the water. Depending on the water temperature, clothing worn, etc. hypothermia can be life threatening in 40 to 60 minutes.
A few sobering statistics you should consider: In water under 59 degrees, 59% of the accidents were fatal. Of those people who died, 90% were not wearing PFDs. In 43% of these cases, the victims were less than six feet from safety!
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail has a web site www.northernforestcanoetrail.org that offers two free brochures on water safety. Click under brochures and go to “Wear It! Life Jackets Matter” and “Cold Water Survival.”
Scott Locorini of Adirondack Exposure reminds everyone that colder water and temperatures, especially in the Adirondacks, are a serious matter. Here are a few simple tips by Scott Locorini to keep in mind:
• Always let someone know where you’re going. Even just a phone message.
• Never paddle alone. This is a hard one to adhere to, but if you are going to paddle alone, go to a place where you are likely to run into other people.
• Dress for the water, not for the air temperature. A little discomfort can pay huge dividends if you end up in the water.
• Learn what clothes and materials are appropriate for paddling (in other words, don’t wear jeans and a t-shirt). If your clothing is breathable, it will help alleviate some of the discomfort issues.
• Learn how to self-rescue and practice the rescues! Take a class, join a club and learn the appropriate rescues for your type of boat. Don’t just read about them or watch a video. You need to practice them under various conditions for the rescues to work when you need them to.
• Carry some sort of first aid/emergency gear and know how to use it! We don’t mean a defibrillator (or even a cell phone). We’re talking about stuff that you can take with you on each outing, such as a basic first aid kit along with fire starting material and emergency heat sources. This can be the difference between an uncomfortable story and something much worse.
Be careful out there this year and remember that a little common sense goes a long way!
SHORT CASTS
ADIRONDACK OUTDOORS: Many area residents love the nearby Adirondacks for a variety of outdoor sports. A new publication for sportsmen who enjoy the Adirondacks made its debut recently. “Adirondack Outdoors” is a quarterly magazine devoted to the traditional outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, paddling, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and much more. It is written by local experts from all areas of the Adirondacks with a focus on where and how to enjoy these sports.
The current edition is only available as a digital edition online but subsequent issues beginning in June will be available in both digital and print editions. Check the website www.adirondackoutdoorsmagazine.com and click on the image in the upper left to bring up the magazine and then use the arrows to turn the pages.
FAO SUCCESS: Seven years ago concerned anglers started what would become the Future Anglers Outreach Program. Since that first day the program has gathered tremendous support, gained national attention and has provided hundreds of rods and reels free of charge.
The program differs from derbies in that it offers simple instruction to young anglers and their parents. The one day event’s sole purpose is to give the basic fishing skills to the entire family so fishing can be a successful experience that they will continue to do on a regular basis. All kids receive a rod and reel, bait and tackle to keep free of charge along with snacks and drinks to all attendees.
The event is now run by S.H.O.T.S. (Sportspeople Helping Others Through Sharing) which also provides many meaningful events for youngsters and assists adults in need. This year’s event was held at Marion Manor Marina, Oneida Lake on Sunday, April 28.  Again a large crowd of 130 youngsters with a parent in tow had a great experience on a beautiful day.
As the day warmed up the fish started to cooperate to the delight of most youngsters. S.H.O.T.S. volunteers were on hand to unhook wiggling fish, show youngsters how to bait a hook and give advice on casting, etc. The important thing was that the kids were introduced to fishing, received basic helpful advice and will have a start with proper tackle.
Thanks goes to S.H.O.T.S. for their financial commitment to the program, their many volunteers who donated their time on Sunday, Marion Manor Marina for allowing use of the facility, and to Ted Dobs, chairman of the event.
YOUTH TURKEY HUNTS: As mentioned previously, April 20–21 was the special Youth Turkey Hunt weekend which allowed youngsters accompanied by an adult to have a weekend to try and get a bird before the regular opening on May 1. The Oneida County Sportsmen’s Federation teamed up with Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) to give youngsters without an adult family member to hunt with a chance to hunt with experienced mentors. The youngsters had safety and turkey hunting technique instruction the previous weekend before hunting with ECOs.
Youngsters generally had a lot of action, and seven of the 16 bagged very nice turkeys on Saturday. Chairman Scott Faulkner said that a smaller number went out on Sunday but none were successful.
They all had a great time, shared a meal with the adults afterwards and were very enthusiastic about their experience. One youngster had a big tom strutting five yards away for many minutes but he was unable to get a shot. Later the ECO commented that he was sorry the youngster did not get a shot. The boy just smiled and said, “that’s OK, there’s always another day.”
Congratulations to all involved. Thanks to the many sportsmen and ECOs involved for their time and effort in this important effort in getting youth started and interested.