Coast Guard Sector Virginia reminds boaters of cold water dangers
Mar 13, 2021
Coast Guard Sector Virginia reminds recreational boaters and paddlers to be mindful of the inherent dangers of cold water temperatures as air temperatures rise in the region.
Despite air temperatures increasing to spring-like conditions through the weekend, the ocean, Chesapeake Bay, rivers, and surrounding lakes in the area remain significantly colder.
Cold water can be particularly dangerous this time of year because warmer air temperatures can encourage people to dress for warmer weather, without realizing the water temperature is drastically different. Even with forecasted highs this weekend in the low 70s in some parts of the region, the water temperature in the Chesapeake Bay near Cape Henry is only 42 degrees with other bodies of water displaying similar cold temperatures.