Two months ago, if you fell out of your boat, about the only thing you had to worry about was having your cell phone in your pocket. Now, and for the next 2-3 months, that is the least of your worries. In order to stay warm on the water in the winter, most of us wear everything that we own, including heavy clothes and boots. Ever try swimming in clothes like that, not to mention just staying afloat. The answer is a PFD. Put it on when you get in the boat and leave it on til you get out.

But if you do fall in, what then. Most of our lakes right now are in the mid to low 50's, and they'll get colder, and no matter how many clothes you have on, if you fall into water that cold, you will suffer Hypothermia to some degree. So technically, what is hypothermia? It's this:

The body maintains a relatively stable temperature whereby heat production is balanced by heat loss. Normally, the core body temperature is 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C. When the outside environment gets too cold or the body's heat production decreases, hypothermia occurs (hypo=less + thermia=temperature). Hypothermia is defined as having a core body temperature less than 95 degrees F or 35 degrees C.

Body temperature is controlled in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is responsible for recognizing alterations in the body temperature and responding appropriately. The body produces heat through the metabolic processes in cells that support vital body functions. Most heat is lost at the skin surface by convection, conduction, radiation, and evaporation. If the environment gets colder, the body may need to generate more heat by shivering (increasing muscle activity that promotes heat formation). But if heat loss is greater than the body's ability to make more, then the body's core temperature will fall.

As the temperature falls, the body shunts blood away from the skin and exposure to the elements. Blood flow is increased to the vital organs of the body including the heart, lungs, kidney, and brain. The heart and brain are most sensitive to cold, and the electrical activity in these organs slows in response to cold. If the body temperature continues to decrease, organs begin to fail, and eventually death will occur.

We each take a chance of this happening each time we go fishing in the winter. If you or someone in your boat does fall in, how do you get out quickly with all the weight of the clothes and the water than it's holding? If the engine on your boat is big enough (usually a 115 or larger), and equipped with a hydraulic trim/lift, it can be a lifesaver. Grab the boat and work yourself around to the engine, then hang on and hit the trim-up botton. Unless you're over 350 pounds, the engine will lift you up out of the water. An easier way is to install a swim step on your boat. It's a ladder to life in this case. Of course this all assumes that your boat is not underway at the time of your ejection. If it is, the PFD will be the only thing that will allow you the 'chance' of survival, and that's if you can get out of the water quick enough.

Don't be a statistic....BE PREPARED AND BE CAREFUL, and always wear your kill switch, especially in the winter.

Good stuff Guy. Thanks for the timely reminder.

WELL, NOW I'M SCARED TO FISH IN COLD WEATHER.MY PARDNER & I HAVE A METHOD ---- IF U FALL IN U R ON YOUR ON,I CAN'T SAVE U . I'M TO OLD TO SAVE MYSELF !!!! LOL,LOL

Great advice Guy!!! I always wear my PFD when I'm on the water no matter what time of the year. Too many people drown each year and it could all be avoided if they just wore their PFD...

P.S.

I AM 62 YEARS OLD & NEVER ONCE THOUGHT TO TRY FOR THE MOTOR.MAKES SENCE TO ME THOUGH.HELLVA IDEA.

Thanks for the good info Guy.

Don't forget The Coast Guard has a "50-50-50" rule:
You have a 50 percent survival rate
if you are in 50 degree water
for 50 minutes.
Everone behave and be safe.

Sound advice right there. Thanks Guy!

Heres another way to get back in the boat if you fall out. I know a guy who almost drowned, until he thought to do this. Work your way to the front of the boat and get hold of the bow rope. (if you dont have a bow rope , get one, and at least leave it tied on in the winter).. Once you get hold of the bow rope , tie several loop knots in it every few feet, and then put your foot in the loop knots to use the rope as a ladder to climb back in the boat.

Great advise - I also carry an extra set of clothes and a lighter in case i need to build a fire

Great advice...Must be slow around the shop...

Guy Great advise. And leaninpost great idea I am doing that to mind as soon as I get into the yard.

Great post Guy and thanks for taking the time to share I never thought of using the tilt/trim to get back in the boat. This thread should be stuck to the top!!!!

Great advice Guy. I wear my PDF all the time on the water. Especially after Bobby almost killed T. Dub and I on LL. LOL!

J/K Bobby......

Very true Guy. Also a good time of the year to ideally not fish alone.

I remember news of like 4 people dying over the last four years on Lavon this time of year while boating. All of them were found dead wearing life jackets.