Some people look forward to winter ocean recreation as a way to keep enjoying the salt water sports that they love. Winter conditions present a slate of considerations. Over the years, Jericho Rescue has rescued people in the initial stages of hypothermia at all times of year. In winter, this is a risk people should be mitigating with proper preparation. Tim Murphy sails on a blustery, chilly day in mid January. Note the smaller ILCA 6 rig, drysuit and toque. Tim also made sure to stay close to shore in case something went awry. Upgrade your attirePlay safe and dress for survival. Now that the air and water temperatures have become noticeably cooler, the wetsuit or thermally protective attire that may have been optional in the summer months is now mandatory. What attire is appropriate depends on your activity. If you are sailing or windsurfing then a cold water wetsuit is in order. A full length 4/3mm or thicker wetsuit with a proper hood or hat would be a minimum (a 5/4mm or thicker suit would be even warmer). Wetsuit manufacturers also offer accessory thermal layers (vests, hoods and shorts) to add warmth as conditions get colder. This is a great way to extend the usefulness of your regular suit. Some folks prefer drysuits. Make sure the style of drysuit is appropriate for your activity and this time of year it would be important to make sure you are wearing proper insulating layers beneath your drysuit. In either case, check to make sure your suit is in good condition with no holes and that the seals are functioning properly. Heat loss from your head and/or neck should be addressed with a hood, hat and/or a neck tube. Neoprene booties, gloves or mittens are also a good idea. Jonathan enjoyed a snowy surfski session in February. He stayed close to shore and was dressed appropriately in the event of cold water immersion. If paddling or rowing, its a good idea to add insulating and/or wind-blocking layers to a dry bag in the bottom of your boat. This way you can layer up and down as you cycle through work and recovery intervals during your workout, or if you end up getting wetter than expected. It’s important that these layers work well when wet and do not absorb water – wool and synthetics are recommended. Be smart about your activity patternsSailing, paddling or rowing in the cold means being smart about your route and preparation. Mitigate your chances of being caught out in the cold by doing more laps closer to home instead of forging further from shore. If windy, make your way upwind first to protect against getting caught downwind should something go wrong. Be conservative with your gear choices, skill and endurance levels. The cold combined with extra attire always makes activity a little more difficult and the consequences of gear or skill failure are more dangerous. Choose a smaller sail, or a more seaworthy kayak than you might choose in similar conditions during the summer. Resist the urge for “one more reach” and make sure you’re on shore before you get tired or before the cold reduces your ability to operate your craft competently. Have a plan to call for help if you need it.The law requires a sound signalling device, but a whistle or horn is no good if no one is on the water to hear it. In the winter there are less boats in English Bay, and a boater in distress is less likely to be spotted by a vessel of opportunity. If you do venture further from shore be prepared with a way to call for help. A cell phone in a waterproof case or a VHF marine radio (as long as you are licensed to operate it) are good items to bring with you. Safety in numbersUse the buddy system. Always sail, paddle, or row with someone else, especially in cold water conditions. Let a reliable friend or relative know when and where you are going and when you expect to return. Diligently contact them upon your safe return. These UBC Sailing Club kayakers are well equipped for winter paddling. Note the safety gear on deck, drysuits, neoprene hoods, a calm day and a buddy to paddle with. What to do if you fall in: The 1-10-1 principle and H.E.L.P.If you do fall into cold water (water temperatures in winter around here hover around 6 degrees Celsius), no matter how well prepared, your body will cool off more quickly than it can generate heat. 1 minute – cold shock In the minute or two immediately after immersion, your body’s cold water shock response will quicken your breathing and heart rate. Your only job during this phase is to gain control of your breathing and to not panic. Protect your airway at all costs. If it’s a windy day staying in the lee of your craft will help. 10 minutes – cold incapacitationOnce your breathing rate subsides, you then have about 10 minutes or so of fine and gross motor strength and coordination to get yourself out of your situation before the cold functionally incapacitates you. This is when you should try and re-board your craft and/or find a way to get your body out of the water and get to shore as quickly as you can. If you can’t get out of the water try and stay with your craft. Even getting your body partially out of the water will significantly increase your chances of survival. If you are not wearing your PFD you will likely drown after 10-20 minutes when the cold will take away your ability to swim. 1 hour – until unconciousness due to hypothermiaIf you remain in the cold water with little additional insulation, you’ll have about one hour before you lose consciousness due to hypothermia. Wearing a PFD, proper wetsuit or drysuit and using the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) will help extend your survival time. Note that inflatable PFDs offer less thermal protection than inherently buoyant foam …
