Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Portland, ME

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Public Information Statement...Safe Boating Week
National Weather Service  Gray ME
1000 AM EDT MON May 23 2015


Cold water can cause treacherous early season boating In Maine and New Hampshire.   Each year, there
are tragedies in our cold lakes and north Atlantic waters.  This is especially problematic on unseasonably
mild spring days when boaters assume conditions are safe.   Winds can increase rapidly allowing rough
seas to develop and capsize small boats such canoes and kayaks.

Here are some guides and tips recommended by safety experts for kayaks...

* Always check the weather forecast before any voyage.

* Use 15 to 16 foot kayaks for open-water boating which have watertight floatation chambers.  The
boats are more stable in wind and waves.

* Use spray skirts that can keep water from washing into a boat and reduce stability.

* Use a wet or a dry suit until the water temperatures reach 60

* Keep a waterproof VHF radio or a cell phone in a watertight case.

* Have a signaling device on hand.

* Always wear a life jacket.

* Make note of any potential strong outgoing or incoming tidal currents...especially at half tide.

* Keep names and phone numbers on the boat.
