ADVICE FOR CRUISERS

Cold Water Skills

By

Galen Todd

I am a good swimmer – the Maine water is just a little chilly – I am ok – No problem!

FALSE

In many cruising areas, the water temperature is part of the enjoyable sailing experience. Maine is not one of them. The water temperature here should be considered part of the challenge. Temperatures along the Maine coast are around 40°F in early spring to the low 60°F range in late summer, early fall. See the Stonington, Maine, temperature chart for reference. These temperatures require some critical skills and preparation for cruising sailors. The two most important are cold water immersion survival techniques and MOB retrieval.

Cold Water Immersion Survival

There is much written and discussed about the impact of cold water immersion and hypothermia. Some is more folklore and not very scientifically based. Here is a simple science based cold water immersion survival technique known as the 1-10-1 Rule. The basics are:

  • 1 – One minute to gain control of your breathing
  • 10 – Ten minutes of meaningful movement before you lose muscle response
  • 1 – One hour before body temperature drops to hypothermic levels and consciousness is lost

Wearing a PFD is critical in all 3 stages.

Check out this link to Cold Water Boot Camp where volunteers experience effects of cold water immersion.

If you are still unconvinced, here is a great presentation of water temperature and the human body. Note when hypothermia can begin.

MOB Retrieval

Many assume that the MOB can use the boarding ladder or pull themselves over the side with some assistance. However, in Maine with cold water, if the MOB has been in the water even a short time (less than 10 minutes), their ability to hang on, climb, pull, etc. will be severely compromised. Swim platforms and scoop sterns can be great for boarding from a dinghy, but they can be extremely dangerous for someone in the water in a choppy sea. Therefore, it is critical to practice a midline lift recovery to get a MOB onboard safely on deck without help from the MOB. This can be practiced dockside. Confidence only comes from practice.  Check out the CCA Practice on Your Own Boat Program information.

Approaching MOB
Bringing MOB onboard

So, sailing in cold water is very enjoyable but you must be prepared. Just don’t jump in thinking you are in the Bahamas. The GASP reflex is very real and any prolonged immersion necessitates wearing a wet suit. A quick dip to cool off is doable if you are prepared. Enjoy.