State Police to Early-Season Boaters: 'Use Caution'

New Jersey State Police warned shore residents that with the water temperatures still chilly, boaters need to take extra precautions or risk serious, potentially fatal accidents.

“Historically speaking, as soon as warm weather comes upon us in the spring time, that’s when we see an increase in recreational boating,” said Trooper Christopher Kay of the State Police. “But don’t forget the fact that the water is going to be considerably cooler than the air.”

State police said they did not receive any notifications of cold-water death so far this year – and none last year. But in 2010, eight fatal boating accidents occurred throughout New Jersey, five of them in March and April, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Falls overboard are the most common types of fatal boating accidents,” New Jersey State Police warned in a release they issued to the community, “and boaters hitting that frigid water quickly find their strength sapped and their movements slowed down. The human body cools down 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. Within minutes of being in the water, people can lose manual dexterity, muscle coordination and breath control.”

“[These warnings] are not a recommendation for people not to get out,” Kay said. “Just stay informed. It’s really important for everyone out in the water to wearing life jackets. Even if you consider yourself a very strong swimmer, the water temperatures will work against you considerably at this time of year.”

The warnings apply not only to the open ocean, but to all waterways, such as lakes, ponds and bays, Kay said. “The water is still cold in the bay.”

Police encouraged boaters to follow these precautions:

— Always wear a life jacket that is: U.S.Coast Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition, the appropriate size for the intended user, readily accessible and easy enough to put on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency.

— Life jackets should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them.

— Throw-able devices must be immediately available for use.

— Place your mobile phone in a waterproof plastic bag and keep it on you.

— Bring charts and maps of the area.

Should you find yourself in the water, police recommended the following:

— Relax and stay with the boat.

— If your vessel has capsized, try to climb out of the water and on top of your capsized boat to await rescue.

— Do not worry about trying to salvage gear. Anything that falls overboard is worthless compared to the value of your life.

For more information, visit the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau at www.njsp.org/maritime.