Water Temperature

Water Temperature Understanding the implications of water temperature is a critical aspect of safety on the water. All ARC river users should become familiar with the dangers of cold water. The links below will help you understand the risks and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim. In addition to the risks of cold water itself, you should recognize the dangers of being wet and cold even after you have gotten off the water. Have an exit plan. If you intend to be out when the weather and water are cold, be able to communicate. Know where and how you can get off the river and reach warmth and safety in the shortest possible time.

What is the Water Temperature in the Merrimack River Now?

Average Monthly Merrimack River Water Temperatures 2003 - 2008

Articles and Reports on Hypothermia and Cold Shock

Essential reading if you intend to go out when the water is cold. Most of these articles were not written for rowers but the water is just as cold when you flip a rowing shell as it is when flip a sea kayak or fall out of a fishing boat.

OFF-SEASON BOATING, COLD SHOCK and HYPOTHERMIA

Be sure to look at the picture of the guy with the cold water gasping reflex.
http://www.enter.net/~skimmer/coldwater.html

Cold Water Shock and Swimming Failure

http://www.seakayakermag.com/2008/Feb08/cold-shock.htm

Hypothermia Prevention: Survival in Cold Water

http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/coastal_communities/hypothermia

Cold Water Survival

http://www.shipwrite.bc.ca/coldwater.htm

Cold water immersion guidance - Avoid becoming a casualty

http://www.britishrowing.org/upload/files/RowSafe/FurtherGuidance/ColdWaterImmersionGuidance-19Mar09.pdf

Survival in Cold Waters (2007) - TP 13822

One of the definitive studies on the significance of the first two stage - cold shock and swimming failure as a cause of death. The precise details of these are described in this publication. 85 pages and requires a download.
http://shop.tc.gc.ca/TChtml/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?&item=48469

If You’re in the Water

Techniques for using your boat as flotation and making headway toward safety.

Stay With The Boat

http://www.britishrowing.org/upload/files/Association/WaterSafety/CapsizePoster.pdf

Sources for PFD’s

Mustang Survival- Inflatable Life Jackets
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/

Stormy Seas - Inflatable Flotation Clothing
http://www.stormyseas.com/vests.html

Inflatable Life Jackets: What to Know Before They Blow - Special Report, Foundation Findings Report #30C - July 2000
http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Findings/floatingonair.htm