Winter boating survival tips

For many of us, winter isn't a sign to hang up our rods. Some of the best fishing occurs in winter, but it's also a time when the risks are heightened when out boating due to weather and, perish the thought, the temperature of the water should you fall in.

According to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia's report titled Boating and Watercraft Drowning Deaths: A 10 year analysis, more recreational boating fatalities occurred in the winter months (47.9 per cent), and nearly half of fatalities (47.1 per cent) occurred in the afternoon and evening (2pm to 11.59pm). What's more, 70.8 per cent of fatalities occurred in small boats under 6m in length, with 60 per cent occurring while a boat was moving or underway.

These are national figures and, while less people are on the water in winter in our southern states, Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) has some rather shocking information to share on how 'cold shock' cuts your survival time should you fall in the water.

Victoria’s coastal waters range from about 9.5°C in midwinter to about 22°C in midsummer, they are colder again in Tassie, but even Sydney waterways and those well north have icy water in winter. So read this...

THE SHOCK EFFECT
When a person falls into water less than 15°C the first reflex is to gasp and then hyperventilate, during which it is extremely difficult to hold breath.

The heartbeat may become very fast and irregular during this time. There is a high danger of drowning if the head is not kept above water. It may take several minutes to regain control of breathing and be able to climb back aboard if this remains possible.

Strength and coordination weaken quickly in cold water, typically in 10-15 minutes, so it is important to inflate lifejackets and rafts, and set off an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) quickly for the best chance of survival and rescue. Prepare flares and signals next, so they are easy to access and deploy when help arrives.

Activity such as swimming will increase heat loss. Hypothermia commence when the body core temperature reduces, typically within an hour of immersion.

FALLING IN THE WATER
If you fall into cold waters you will generally have:

>> 1 minute to get your breathing under control and keep your head out of the water
>> 10-20 minutes of useful movement in which to get out the water to prepare for rescue
>> 1 to 3 hours before you become unconscious due to hypothermia
So the bottom line is to prepare for the worst. Learn about safety gear, practise man-overboard drills, and other ways to maximise your chance of survival. Dress for the conditions and consider proper winter safety attire like a dry suit if you plan to head offshore on a big tuna or swordfish trip.

This article was prepared with advice from MSV. Read up about being prepared at What to do in an Emergency.