Cold-Water Paddling and Fishing Safety

Story and Photos

By Outdoor Writer

Bruce Ingram

The most dangerous incident of my paddling career occurred on the James River when a friend and I overturned in his canoe. Earlier, my water-temperature gauge had registered 54 degrees, and the air temperature was 65 degrees. When I fell in, I felt as if a sledge hammer had struck my chest, and my buddy and I struggled to swim to shore--losing most of our gear.

That day, the air and water temperature combined measured 119 degrees--within the danger zone, says Stacey Brown, boating safety program manager for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). She adds that although many variables exist concerning when the risk of hypothermia becomes more acute, generally, if the air and water temperatures together are 120 degrees or below, wet suits are recommended for paddlers. Another major factor, continues Brown, has to do with the amount of time someone is subject to the cold water and air temperatures.

Obviously, one of the most basic acts any paddler can accomplish is to always wear a life jacket. But in my many decades of floating and wade fishing Virginia's rivers and streams, I would wager that most paddlers I have observed, whatever the season, from the dog days of summer to the frigid waters of winter, were not wearing life jackets. Many, in fact, did not even have them in their craft or were just using them as seat cushions.

"Wearing a life jacket is the best way to ensure your trip doesn't end in tragedy," emphasizes Brown. "It would be nice if people thought of their life jackets as gear, just like with other sports, rather than required equipment."

Brown offers the following additional recommendations:

     * Carry your whistle or other sound-producing device in case you do need to summon help.

     * Be proficient in reboarding your canoe, kayak, raft, or other craft, especially if you are in a lake or larger river where getting to the shore to reboard would be difficult. If you end up in the cold water, you start to lose dexterity of movement fairly quickly.

     * Paddle with a buddy--not only for more fun but in case of an emergency.

     * Evenly pack your boat to have an even keel (so to speak) and to help mitigate the chances of overturning.

     * Let someone on dry land know where you are going and when you plan to return. In other words, share your float plan.

     * Check the weather before and during the trip. During the excursion, be aware of changing or increasing winds and/or cloud buildup.

     * Be honest about your skills. Know your limitations. For example, planning a long trip of many miles or hours during unfavorable water temperatures or forecasts could be risky for many floaters.

In the angling realm, there's nothing I would rather do than float and fish the Old Dominion's many outstanding rivers, but I know that my continuing to enjoy this pastime involves making wise decisions. Please consider making these safety tips part of your game plan.

Reprinted from The Outdoor Report, which is produced by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.