spectr17
04-23-2003, 02:26 PM
SPRING BOATING DESERVES EXTREME CAUTION
04/18/2003
WGFD
CHEYENNE -- Spring afternoons may be warm and the outboard ready to roar -- but the water, which isn’t much warmer than the ice that recently left, can be a subtle yet insidious killer of unprepared early season boaters.
Due to the frigid water and fewer boaters out, spring boaters are urged by Russ Pollard, Game and Fish Department law enforcement coordinator, to use utmost caution.
“The frigid water of spring can quickly put boaters in serious trouble who fall in the water,” Pollard said. “Boaters can also easily be stricken with hypothermia just from the spray off the waves, which could also lead to a life-threatening situation.”
Pollard believes the 50 degree and colder water makes it extremely important to have your life jacket strapped on. “Cold water quickly zaps your body’s motor skills and can make you disoriented, making it very difficult to find or even fasten a life vest after being thrown in the water,” he said.
He also advises spring boaters to wear rain gear or waterproof garments to keep dry from waves spraying into the boat and to boat in “teams.”
The G&F offers a free home study “Safe Boating Course.” The course, which qualifies boaters for a discount with some insurance companies, is available by calling (800) 842-1934 or (307) 777-4600 in Cheyenne or out of state.
04/18/2003
WGFD
CHEYENNE -- Spring afternoons may be warm and the outboard ready to roar -- but the water, which isn’t much warmer than the ice that recently left, can be a subtle yet insidious killer of unprepared early season boaters.
Due to the frigid water and fewer boaters out, spring boaters are urged by Russ Pollard, Game and Fish Department law enforcement coordinator, to use utmost caution.
“The frigid water of spring can quickly put boaters in serious trouble who fall in the water,” Pollard said. “Boaters can also easily be stricken with hypothermia just from the spray off the waves, which could also lead to a life-threatening situation.”
Pollard believes the 50 degree and colder water makes it extremely important to have your life jacket strapped on. “Cold water quickly zaps your body’s motor skills and can make you disoriented, making it very difficult to find or even fasten a life vest after being thrown in the water,” he said.
He also advises spring boaters to wear rain gear or waterproof garments to keep dry from waves spraying into the boat and to boat in “teams.”
The G&F offers a free home study “Safe Boating Course.” The course, which qualifies boaters for a discount with some insurance companies, is available by calling (800) 842-1934 or (307) 777-4600 in Cheyenne or out of state.