Press Releases
04/18/2025
DEEP Begins Cold Water Safety Campaign
Agency Warns Boaters of Early Season Hazards Despite Warm Air Temperatures
(HARTFORD) — With warm air temperatures forecast across the state this weekend, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) wants to remind boaters – especially paddlers – about the dangers of early spring boating. DEEP urges any boaters heading out on the water to prioritize water safety during this season when the air warms but the water remains dangerously cold.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said, “While we promote year-round access to Connecticut’s outdoor recreational spaces, it is critical that early season boaters heed safety messaging and take proper precautions to ensure that everyone comes home after a day on the water. Safety is number one, and that starts with always wearing a life jacket, dressing for the water temperature rather than the air temperature, using the buddy system whenever possible, and, if paddling alone, letting someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.”
Kayaking and canoeing during the early spring is a great way to enjoy the first warm days of the year while experiencing Connecticut’s waterways without the summertime crowds. However, these outings come with the hazards of water temperatures that remain dangerously cold long after the springtime air warms up. While it is exciting to see outdoor temperatures forecasted in the 60 or even 70 degrees range, water temperatures can remain very cold. The average water temperature of Long Island Sound is just 44 degrees in April, and many of Connecticut’s lakes and rivers remain below 55 degrees until May.
An unexpected immersion into cold water by an unprepared boater in a kayak or canoe can be deadly. Cold water cools the body four times faster than air of the same temperature. Connecticut law requires a properly fitting personal floatation device (PFD) be worn by all persons on manually propelled watercraft from October 1 through May 31. Without a PFD, survival time can be reduced to mere minutes as hypothermia affects one’s ability to swim or just to stay afloat. Even strong swimmers are unable to swim 100 yards in cold water without a PFD. Since 2021, Connecticut families have grieved four paddler fatalities during spring’s cold water boating season.
To ensure a fun outing and a safe return, DEEP suggests that all boaters exercise caution by using proper equipment, dressing for the weather, practicing safety techniques, wearing a life jacket, and avoiding dangerous situations. Most importantly, paddlers and other boaters always should be prepared for a cold-water immersion.
DEEP notes several best practices for paddlers and boaters to remain safe while operating during the cold-water season:
- ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET – This will significantly improve your chances for survival if you end up in the water.
- DO NOT PADDLE ALONE – When paddling with a partner, it is easier to get back into a boat or reach shore safely.
- DRESS APPRPROPRIATELY – Paddlers should dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
- FILE A FLOAT PLAN – Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110