Just because summer is over doesn’t mean boating season is. For thousands of families across the country, boating is a year-round activity, which means the boating safety conversation is still needed. In fact, boating during the winter increases the risk of injuries and fatal overboard incidents are five times greater during colder months. Even in Florida, the air temperatures can drop to near freezing many times over the winter months and this can be dangerous if someone were to end up in the water and be chilled by the cold air. To help you and your family stay safe and navigate cold waters with confidence, we gathered 10 crucial boating safety tips for the winter so you can focus on creating lasting memories on the water:

1. Stay Informed about Local Weather Conditions

Always check the weather forecast before heading out on a boating trip. This is good advice year-round, but in the winter, the weather can be unpredictable. It's crucial to be aware of any potential storms, strong winds or sudden temperature drops.

2. Layer Up and Don’t Forget Your Insulated Gloves

Dress warmly and carry a towel and extra clothes in a waterproof dry bag in case you get wet or fall in. Layer your clothing, starting with a moisture-wicking inner layer, followed by insulating fabrics like fleece, polyester or wool. Avoid wearing cotton, as it doesn't keep you warm when it gets wet.

Cold hands can also make it challenging to operate equipment and handle ropes. Invest in a pair of insulated, waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm and functional when you are boating during the winter.

3. File a Float Plan

Always inform someone on land about your boating plans, including your intended route, estimated return time and emergency contacts. A float plan can be a lifesaver year round, but especially if unexpected events occur during your winter boating adventure.

4. Carry Emergency Signaling Devices

In winter conditions, visibility can be reduced due to fog, snow or rain. It also gets dark a lot earlier, which means that nighttime conditions may sneak up on you. Ensure you have reliable signaling devices on board, such as an E-Flare, an air horn or a whistle, so you can efficiently alert others in the case of an emergency.

5. Inspect Your Life Jackets

Check that your life jackets are in good condition and still fit properly. In cold weather, you should always wear your life jacket on top of a coat or any other layers, so it is possible that you’ll need a larger sized life jacket than what you usually wear in the summer. A properly fitted life jacket is even more critical for buoyancy and warmth. If you need to borrow a life jacket, you can do so free of charge from one of our many Life Jacket Loaner Stations. Just check to make sure the loaner station is not seasonal, as many stations are removed during cold weather.

6. Avoid alcohol

Avoid alcohol at all times in the boat, especially if you are the one behind the wheel. Alcohol doesn’t keep you warm and can lead to poor decision making no matter what time of year it is. Always make sure to be or designate a Sober Skipper before getting on the water. You can take the Sober Skipper pledge here.

7. 1-10-1 Rule for Cold Water Immersion

If you find yourself in cold water, remember the "1-10-1 Rule." This rule applies to anyone who falls into cold water. You have about one minute to control your breathing, less than 10 minutes for self-rescue and about one hour before you become unconscious.

8. Post-Rescue Care

If you or someone else is rescued from cold water, it's crucial to prevent post-rescue collapse. This occurs when cold blood moves too quickly to the heart, potentially leading to a fatal heart attack or stroke. Remove wet clothes and put on dry ones, warm up slowly and avoid any alcohol or caffeine. Seek medical help immediately, even if you feel fine, as only trained professionals can properly address cold water immersion injuries.

9. Educate Your Passengers

Ensure all of your passengers know the safety protocols, including how to wear life jackets, the location of emergency equipment and how to respond to different emergency situations. Even though you might be a four-season boater, it doesn’t mean your passengers have been out on the water in winter.

10. Practice safe hunting practices

Many people choose to hunt from a boat in the winter months and may even bring a dog along to help retrieve ducks or geese. Make sure you stay balanced in the boat before pulling the trigger, as the recoil can easily throw you overboard. Also, be careful reaching for the dog or the game as you bring them on board so you don’t fall in.

As temperatures drop and conditions become more unpredictable, boating safety is needed now more than ever. Safety is not just a recommendation; it’s the key to being able to go out on the water another day. Following these important tips and guidelines will help ensure you have a fun and enjoyable boating experience in the colder months. Stay safe, stay warm and continue to enjoy the beauty of our waterways year-round.