Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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04/02/2026

DEEP Launches Cold Water Safety Campaign

When the Air is Warm, and the Water is Cold, Safety Preparation is Critical

(HARTFORD) – After such a long and cold winter, Connecticut’s boaters will be excited to cast off at the first signs of spring and enjoy time on the water. While early spring warm temperatures motivate boaters to get out on lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound, it is important to remember that even though the air may be warm, water temperatures will remain dangerously cold for much of the spring. Regardless of vessel type or waterbody, an unexpected fall into the water can quickly become very serious.

Cold water immersion can quickly compromise even a strong swimmer’s ability in just minutes, which is why DEEP encourages all boaters to refamiliarize yourself and your crew with necessary safety equipment to stay safe on the water. Wearing a life jacket is of course one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid tragedy on the water and – as a reminder – state law requires everyone aboard a paddlecraft to wear a life jacket from October 1 through May 31.

“Early spring boating can bring unexpected risks, especially when warm air temperatures disguise the dangerously cold water temperatures,” said Katie Dykes, DEEP Commissioner. “By taking simple safety precautions like wearing a life jacket and preparing ahead, boaters can reduce those risks and better enjoy the start of the boating season.”

To refresh boaters on early season water safety, DEEP has launched its annual social media-driven Cold Water Safety campaign. The campaign’s goals are to encourage boaters to reacquaint themselves with springtime safety procedures, highlight the risks of cold-water immersion, and educate boaters about required safety equipment.

“Spring marks the start of another great boating season,” said Peter Francis, Director of DEEP’s Boating Division. “DEEP’s priority is to make sure boaters are properly equipped for their time on the water, and our annual Cold Water Safety campaign raises awareness about the risks of cold water.”

The Cold Water Safety campaign typically runs from early spring through May and is composed of social media messaging and in-person boating safety outreach events. Details will be released over social media in the coming months.  

Here are some of the important springtime boating safety tips that will be highlighted in the campaign:

  • Wear Your Life Jacket - When choosing the right life jacket for you, make sure it fits correctly and is approved for its intended use.  Connecticut statistics show that 89% of all persons involved in boating-related drowning fatalities failed to wear a life jacket. 
  • Follow Life Jacket Laws for Manually Propelled Vessels - Connecticut law requires everyone in or operating a manually propelled vessel including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards to wear a properly fitting life jacket between October 1st and May 31st.
  • Wear Appropriate Clothing – The correct clothes can keep you comfortable, extend your season, and may even save your life.  In cold conditions, dress in layers of clothing that will  retain body heat when wet and outer layers that repel water.  During these cold water months when potential immersion may be most dangerous, consider the use of a drysuit or wetsuit while operating paddlecraft.   
  • File a Float Plan - Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. 
  • Maintain a Proper Lookout - In the spring, trees, pilings, and damaged docks may be floating down rivers and into Long Island Sound. Boaters should be especially vigilant for floating debris.
  • Follow Proper Maintenance Procedures - Ensure all vessel maintenance is up to date. Accidents involving the sinking of a boat or fires onboard are generally a springtime occurrence. With a little vigilance, these accidents can be prevented.

Please follow the DEEP Boating Division’s social media accounts for updates about the upcoming Cold Water Safety campaign and in-person events:

Facebook: @BoatinginConnecticut
Instagram: @ctdeep_boating
X: @CTBoatingInfo

To learn more about cold water boating and paddling in Connecticut, visit the DEEP website at Boating and Paddling (ct.gov).

DEEP and Cold Water Safety Logos

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110