A caution for early season boating
Brookfield power just sent around a two-fold warning for people who might be lured out onto the North Country’s waterways by warm early spring weather.
Brookfield Renewable Energy owns and operates hydropower dams on the Upper Hudson, Raquette and Salmon Rivers, among others in New York State.
The company says not only is the water still really cold, making hypothermia a serious threat, but all the usual boat barriers, signs, booms and warning systems haven’t been put in place yet.
Our operations teams are working hard to accelerate the installation of boat barriers and other safety alert systems typically installed in late spring. We ask the public to respect closed recreation access, and to be prepared when recreating on or near water because river conditions can change quickly and without notice. Be vigilant about safety by avoiding dams and structures such as powerhouses and substations, and by observing all signage, warning signals, and sirens.
The press release offers this safety tip (and reality check) as well:
The National Safe Boating Council recommends the “1-10-1” approach to fight hypothermia if submerged in water.
Specifically, use the first minute to get breathing under control. Then you’ll have 10 minutes of meaningful movement, and one hour before you become unconscious. The 1-10-1 approach will only work if you are wearing a life jacket to help keep your head up.
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And someone needed to tell you the water is cold? Amazing! Who would have thought?
Common sense is not common!
Remember there is a law now that says that you must WEAR a life jacket (regardless of age) between November and May. I have seen many folks paddling and motoring w/o them.
Unfortunately or fortunately there is no lifeguard on the gene pool, which is why Brookfield felt they needed to point out the fact that water is cold in the springtime.