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DWR Encourages Safe Boating and Water Safety
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) wants to warn outdoorsmen and women of dangerous water temperatures and changing weather conditions. These changing conditions can be dangerous for small boats, including kayaks and canoes. Water temperatures remain at a dangerous temperature for most of the spring. Until the summer, expect water temperatures to be much colder than the air temperature and plan accordingly. It is important to dress for the water temperature and wear your life jacket when boating should an accident occur. Wearing a life jacket is critical should you fall into cold water. Your body’s first reflex is to gasp for air which increases the chance of drowning, especially if you are not wearing a life jacket.
Gusty winds may create hazardous conditions for boats by making your boat unstable and creating choppy waters that are difficult to navigate. When checking the weather, also check for wind conditions and pay particular attention to any weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
No matter what time of year you go boating, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Also, have a plan to reboard your boat in case the unexpected happens and you end up in the water.
Weather conditions and a marine forecast can be found on the National Weather Service website. The United States Geological Survey has water temperatures for some inland lakes and rivers.
No one plans to take a dip this time of year; protect yourself by preparing for the worst and always wear a life jacket, it will save your life!
For more information on boating, boating education and water safety, please visit: https://dgifwebtest.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/boating/.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.
PLEASE DO NOT DISREGARD SAFETY MESSAGES. THEY ARE THERE TO PROTECT YOU