Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

The Coast Guard is issuing a cold-water warning to late-season boaters, fishermen and others who might be lured to the water by the sunny skies and relatively warm temperatures expected this weekend.

Water temperatures in the region are dropping fast, increasing the danger for people who fall into the water, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard says anyone on the water this time of year needs to prepare for the possibility that they could fall into the water.

"For the average person, the debilitating shock of sudden immersion can be fatal. The important thing is simply to be prepared and to be properly attired for survival," said Al Johnson, the recreational boating specialist for the First Coast Guard District in Boston.

The Coast Guard says two commercial fishermen recently survived five hours in the 52-degree waters of Cape Cod Bay because they were able to pull on their survival suits while their boat was sinking.

"Their survival suits saved their lives," Johnson said.

For people on the water, the best protection is a "a full dry suit with life jacket," Johnson said. "This would be followed by a wet suit under protective clothing with a life jacket and, finally and at the minimum, protective clothing and a life jacket."

 Tags  Coast Guard cold water weather

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