• Vermont and New Hampshire officials warn that water temperatures remain dangerously cold despite warmer air temperatures, posing hypothermia and drowning risks.
• Wearing a life jacket, dressing in layers, checking water temperatures, and filing a float plan are crucial safety measures.
• Cold water immersion can quickly impair muscle function and mental faculties, even for strong swimmers.

As boating season commences, authorities in Vermont and New Hampshire are cautioning the public about the significant dangers of cold water immersion. Water temperatures in the region's lakes, rivers, and coastal areas remain dangerously low, typically ranging from the 40s to 60°F (4.4 to 15.6°C) even as air temperatures rise. This poses a severe risk of hypothermia, cold shock, and drowning, as cold water can rapidly impair muscle function and cognitive abilities. Officials urge boaters to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets, dressing appropriately for the water temperature, checking weather and marine forecasts, and informing others of their boating plans.

• What: The primary concern is the danger of cold water immersion leading to hypothermia, cold shock, and drowning during early boating season. The water temperatures in lakes and rivers remain dangerously cold, even as air temperatures rise.
• Who: Vermont Department of Public Safety, Vermont State Police Marine Division, New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, Alton Fire Chief James Reinert, boaters, kayakers, and recreational water users.
• When: Early boating season, specifically the month of May and into June. Mentions an incident in early April.
• Where: Vermont and New Hampshire lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.

The consistent message across different sources is the persistent danger of cold water immersion during the early boating season. Despite variations in location (Vermont vs. New Hampshire), the core safety advice remains consistent: wear a life jacket, check water temperatures, dress appropriately, and inform others of your plans. The Boston 25 News article emphasizes that the risk is particularly high in New Hampshire, where water temperatures remain cold longer into the season. The laconiadailysun.com article provides a specific incident illustrating the risks, reinforcing the importance of preventative measures.

It’s critical that early-season boaters understand the dangers of cold-water immersion and take precautions to ensure that everyone recreating on the water gets home safely.

When you're on land, you we would imagine most people, even 60-degree temperature, they're properly clothed, they have some sort of insulation going on. Obviously, if you're in the water, even if you're clothed, everything is saturated with that cold water, and it just has that negative impact on you, and it will reduce your internal body temperature rather quickly.

As boating season begins in Vermont and New Hampshire, authorities are actively warning boaters about the persistent threat of cold water immersion. Despite the allure of warmer air, water temperatures remain dangerously low, capable of causing rapid hypothermia, shock, and drowning. By adhering to safety guidelines, such as wearing life jackets, checking water conditions, dressing appropriately, and filing float plans, boaters can significantly reduce their risk and ensure a safer experience on the water. Ongoing vigilance and preparedness are essential for enjoying the waterways during this transitional season.