Cooler weather, colder water and less daylight means riskier boating

Fall is here, and the OPP wants to remind boaters of the importance of safety equipment.

Weather, water, and wave conditions quickly change during fall adventures. Prior to departing in your vessel, the OPP wants to emphasize the importance of safety equipment and wearing your Personal Flotation Device, which can make unexpected mishaps survivable.

• A lifejacket is your best defence against cold-water shock
• Hypothermia is a particularly significant risk this time of year 
• Do not consume alcohol or drugs prior to or during water adventures
• When operating a vessel impaired you endanger yourself and others
• Impaired is impaired - whether it's on the road, water, or trail 

Should you be enjoying various paddle sports this fall, consider proper swimwear, research dry suits for colder water and understand the risks of hypothermia by preparing ahead of time. It takes moments for fine motor skills to be reduced, and this can lead to more serious consequences. 

Boaters and others working and playing near water need to remember that the colder the water is, the less rescue time there is!

Hypothermia occurs when core body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and becomes a medical emergency. Your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Regular body temperature is around 37 degrees.

When body temperature drops, the heart, nervous system and other organs can't work as normal and left untreated can cause the heart and respiratory system to fail and eventually lead to death.