Wear a PFD, understand ‘1-10-1’ and stay safe
As we begin to have those stretches of nice weather that usually come every February, more and more fishermen will develop severe cases of cabin fever; the only known cure is a fishing trip. The days will usually be nice, with lots of sunshine and temperatures that peak somewhere between the mid-60s and the mid-70s. On days that aren’t windy, it is often shirtsleeve weather for a few hours in the afternoon.
The issue is that the water hasn’t warmed up yet, and depending on where you are fishing, the water temperature could be anywhere from the low 40s to the mid-50s. Of course, as long as fishermen don’t get wet, that isn’t a problem, but if there is an unexpected dunking, that relaxing late-winter fishing trip immediately morphs into a serious and potentially life-threatening situation.
I am not advocating of staying home; I enjoy fishing too much myself. Sometimes, a string of nice days puts the fish in a feeding mode, and the red drum, black drum, speckled trout and striped bass action can really get fired up. We should all go fishing on these days, but we should be prepared for mishaps and use some of that common sense we often save for special situations.
The first thing I suggest is filing a float plan. That sounds technical, but a float plan is simply letting someone who is responsible know when and where you will be departing, when and where you plan to return and the places you plan to fish or visit while out. A description of your boat and your tow vehicle, if you leave from a ramp, is helpful if authorities are called to look for you. As soon as you get back safely, call the person with whom you’ve left the plan.
During warmer months, spending a night on the river or in a marsh may just be worrisome and inconvenient, but during the cold months, it could be life-threatening. The flip side is not wasting manpower and fuel looking for boaters or fishermen that are not in need of help.
One of the worst things that can happen on a winter outing is to take a tumble into the water. Even if the boat is anchored and the fall is immediately beside it, cold water is debilitating and makes it a serious situation. I have fallen into saltwater that was cold enough there was ice around the edges, and simply saying it wasn’t fun is irresponsibly downplaying it. I was fortunate that I got out easily and walked to shelter where I could warm up in just a few minutes. If that hadn’t been the case, it’s not an overstatement to say you might not be reading this.
This is going to sound a little like an attempt at humor, but it really isn’t. A check with the Coast Guard revealed that many fishermen who fall out of boats do so while urinating. This percentage is even higher during the winter as hands aren’t used to balance as much, but to hold back the thermal underwear and layers of clothing worn while on the water. It is wise to use a portable toilet or a 5-gallon bucket.
The extra winter clothing and boots also make moving a little more awkward, and a wake that wouldn’t be an issue in shorts and T-shirt during the summer can put a fisherman off balance. Unfortunately, many waterproof boots don’t grip boat decks as well as boat shoes, but they are worn during the winter to keep feet warm and dry. Try to avoid long angles or leaning when reaching for fish, a dock line or whatever.
I recommend wearing a PFD (personal flotation device), especially while boating and fishing in cold water, and I consider it mandatory any time you are boating or fishing alone. The PFD will buy you some time and save some energy as it will float you and not require swimming.
Many fishermen find regular PFDs uncomfortable. The fishing PFDs, like kayak fishermen wear, have pockets for gear and will help block the elements a little if you take a tumble and get wet. However, many fishermen say they are still too bulky and not comfortable. The smaller, inflatable PFDs don’t offer any wind protection but are comfortable. Find one you like and wear it. It can’t help if it’s hanging on the console or on the leaning post when you fall overboard.
A winter dunking is much more serious than merely being uncomfortable. The Coast Guard has a tenet regarding survival in cold water they call the “1–10–1 Rule.” based on water that’s 50 degrees or colder — like most of ours during the winter.
The first “1” in the 1-10-1 Rule is the initial minute of falling into cold water, referred to as cold shock. This is the most critical time, and many cold-water immersion victims have a heart attack from the shock of suddenly being covered in cold water or gasp at the initial shock of entering cold water and suck in enough water they can’t expel it and drown. Those who survive this first minute and the cold shock must quickly regain their composure and analyze their situation.
The “10” in the 1–10–1 Rule is the 10 minutes (approximately) before a person will lose muscle function; it is referred to as cold incapacitation. Depending on a person’s physical condition and the water temperature, there are approximately 10 minutes after immersion in cold water before a person will lose motor functions, including the ability to swim or tread water. This time will be less in colder water and for persons in lesser physical condition. The time lengthens in warmer water and with persons in top physical condition.
A person needs to get out of the water within 10 minutes or he or she may not be able to under his or here own power. Using a PFD will keep a person floating and increase the survival time in cold water, even though they have lost the ability to swim.
Depending on the situation, the 10 minutes can be used getting back in the boat or getting to shore. We generically call it numbness, but within approximately 10 minutes in cold water, the cold will block your motor and muscle functions and prevent swimming or treading water. Even when wearing a PFD, it is imperative to get out of the cold water as quickly as possible.
The final “1” in the 1–10–1 Rule is the approximate hour before irreversible effects of hypothermia set in. This brings unconsciousness, which allows life to slip away. Again, this time will be shorter in colder water/air temperatures and a little longer when warmer.
This hour is the time a person has to get help and begin warming up. Unfortunately, after approximately 10 minutes, motor functions, especially continued walking or paddling and the ability to operate a boat, will be difficult to impossible.
Whenever fishing in cold water, one should pay special attention to safety and have a backup plan if something goes wrong. Even after leaving a float plan, paying special attention to balance in the boat and being cautious, there still is the possibility of an accident dumping you in the water.
A waterproof VHF radio, especially one of the ones with DSC Emergency Calling and a built-in GPS, or a cell phone carried on your person can be a lifesaver. Several companies are now making waterproof, floating VHF radios that include Bluetooth so they can operate a cell phone that is in a waterproof bag. Don’t hesitate to make that call as you may not physically be able to in a short time. This is also the time to use those flares in your boating safety pack.
To learn more about cold water safety, the 1–10–1 Rule and more, visit the Cold Water Boot Camp website at www.coldwaterbootcamp.com. There is an abundance of valuable information and it very well could be the difference between life and death.
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