Overturned Boat Center Harbor

DC Pointer · 05-02-2009, 02:07 PM

Three missing in Lake Winnipesaukee

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Center Harbor – Three people are missing after a small boat overturned in frigid Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Marine Patrol says it got a call about an overturned boat around 9:30 Saturday morning in Cavaliers Cove in Center Harbor. It says its officers, along with Center Harbor police and firefighters and Fish and Game officers are searching for three people who had been in the boat.

UnionLeader.com will be updated later this afternoon with more details.

This'nThat · 05-02-2009, 03:15 PM

From the Union Leader: Two people are missing after a small boat overturned in frigid Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Marine Patrol says it got a call about an overturned boat around 9:30 Saturday morning at Cavaliers Cove in Center Harbor. It says its officers, along with Center Harbor police and firefighters and Fish and Game officers are searching for two people who had been in the boat.

KonaChick · 05-02-2009, 04:17 PM

Prayers go out to the missing men and their families.

Ropetow · 05-02-2009, 05:11 PM

Ditto...thoughts and prayers for a safe recovery of the boaters.

Lakegeezer · 05-02-2009, 05:28 PM

It was very windy on the water today. Mild whitecaps and rollers. Our thoughts are with the families. The Union Leader story says the fishermen were in their 50s and from Meredith. Sad day.

Skip · 05-02-2009, 07:13 PM

WMUR is reporting that both bodies were recovered a short time ago. Story HERE.

Very tragic, my thoughts and prayers to the families involved.

callmeD · 05-02-2009, 07:19 PM

How very sad to hear about this. Please wear your life vests when out on the water. They can save your life.

Waterbaby · 05-02-2009, 09:03 PM

Prayers to their families, how very sad. I'm not going to make any comment on not wearing PFDs.

Skip · 05-03-2009, 06:16 AM

Full story of this tragedy can be read HERE in this morning's Citizen.

twoplustwo · 05-03-2009, 06:47 AM

our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two boaters.

SAMIAM · 05-03-2009, 07:18 AM

I happened to be using the boat ramp when the fisherman arrived to report the overturned boat.....I had to get out of there quickly because Center Harbor rescue responded in a matter of minutes.They had a boat in the water with EMT's and wet suits very quickly.Obviously a very well trained and experienced response team and its too bad for everyone that it was too late to save them.

Broken Glass · 05-03-2009, 07:53 AM

The paper is reporting two deaths in Center Harbor as a result of the overturned boat.
http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll.../0/citnews1403

codeman671 · 05-03-2009, 08:29 AM

Very sad story.

I will probably get flamed for this, but why would anyone want to be out there in a 12' jon boat on a windy day with water temps as low as they are? It sounds like they set themselves up for trouble. They put themselves in harms way and unfortunately came up short. Jon boats are not made for this type of conditions. Two guys, gear and rough water don't mix with a 12' jon.

This'nThat · 05-03-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

Very sad story.

I will probably get flamed for this, but why would anyone want to be out there in a 12' jon boat on a windy day with water temps as low as they are?

I suspect they were caught unawares when the wind picked up. If they went out early in the day, the winds were light -- around 4-5 mph. See the chart below for May 2, Laconia -- the winds suddenly became strong, which might have caught them by surprise.

tis · 05-03-2009, 09:20 AM

What a terrible shame. If only they had read our post about WEARING your life jackets when the water is they cold, and HEEDED it, they would probably still be alive. What a waste.

Pineedles · 05-03-2009, 09:57 AM

You are right Tis it's a shame, but the more we talk about wearing your life jacket, despite an ability to swim well, hopefully more people will heed the warning. I just sent my cousin the link who is a fisherman and ironically has a place at Cavalier's Cove. My condolences to the familys.

tis · 05-03-2009, 09:59 AM

Yes, I would not wear my life jacket in the summer in a small boat, canoe or kayak, because if I fell out I could swim, but when it is this cold, I don't care how good a swimmer you are, you can't move.

Mr. V · 05-03-2009, 10:56 AM

Very sad.

The newspaper article refers to death by "hypothermia," but that seems to be a misnomer.

The correct terms: "cold shock" and "swimming failure."

Google educated me a bit on this unfortunate issue: see link:

http://www.seakayakermag.com/2008/Feb08/cold-shock.htm

I wondered why a good swimmer couldn't swim 100 feet or so to safety: now I know.

Still, very tragic.

MAXUM · 05-03-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

Very sad story.

I will probably get flamed for this, but why would anyone want to be out there in a 12' jon boat on a windy day with water temps as low as they are? It sounds like they set themselves up for trouble. They put themselves in harms way and unfortunately came up short. Jon boats are not made for this type of conditions. Two guys, gear and rough water don't mix with a 12' jon.

I completely agree, I was out fishing in the morning, we put in and left Center Harbor around the same time frame as these guys did. It was windy and it was clear there was a bit of a chop which only got worse as we progressed down the lake were things really opened up. Every year I see folks out there fishing in small, sometimes barely sea worthy boats with very little free board visible and wonder what goes through these people's minds. It's insane to do this, especially this time of year when the weather and conditions can change rapidly and without warning. With the water as cold as it is there is no room for error here or unfortunately people can and do die. Of course this pales in comparison to some people we saw yesterday waterskiing... yes you read correctly waterskiing. In 47 degree water.

No matter, sad for the families involved and I hope that all these guys that insist on fishing out in the middle of areas that can and do get extremely rough in these jon boats pay attention to this story.

ApS · 05-03-2009, 04:33 PM

Even as I was reading this account early this morning, I looked up to see a small jon boat trolling a good ¼-mile from any shore.

Jon boats are popular (particularly in the South) for sheltered bayous, slow rivers and marshes, but not for a still-chilly lake whose character can change with the weather.

As aircraft pilots know too well, it's the weather that can "do you in".

For those unfamiliar with a "jon boat", this is what a typical jon boat looks like:

But the above photo shows one that's two-feet longer than the jon boat that overturned!

Audiofn · 05-04-2009, 06:35 AM

My thoughts go out to the families involved in the sad accident.

EllyPoinster · 05-04-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I completely agree, I was out fishing in the morning, we put in and left Center Harbor around the same time frame as these guys did. It was windy and it was clear there was a bit of a chop which only got worse as we progressed down the lake were things really opened up. Every year I see folks out there fishing in small, sometimes barely sea worthy boats with very little free board visible and wonder what goes through these people's minds. It's insane to do this, especially this time of year when the weather and conditions can change rapidly and without warning. With the water as cold as it is there is no room for error here or unfortunately people can and do die. Of course this pales in comparison to some people we saw yesterday waterskiing... yes you read correctly waterskiing. In 47 degree water.
No matter, sad for the families involved and I hope that all these guys that insist on fishing out in the middle of areas that can and do get extremely rough in these jon boats pay attention to this story.

What? I wasn't there but I would bet that the waterskiers were wearing wet suits and appropriate PFD's and were being dutifully observed from a sea-worthy tow boat that was prepared to quickly pick them up whenever necessary. Hardly a potentially life threatening situation.

beantowntechy · 05-05-2009, 08:37 AM

I was actually up at the lake this weekend but didn't hear anything about it until today. If someone else posted this in a thread, my apologies for the duplicate. My thoughts and condolences go out to their families and friends. Be safe out there.

"CENTER HARBOR, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has released the names of two men who died after their small boat overturned in Lake Winnipesaukee over the weekend.

The department said William McCann, 56, and Daniel Benjamin, 50, both of Meredith, were recovered from the frigid water Saturday.

The Marine Patrol said it received a call about an overturned boat at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Cavaliers Cove in Center Harbor. The bodies were recovered Saturday afternoon. Investigators said the men had been fishing. It does not appear alcohol was involved in the deaths.

The patrol said the water temperature was 48 degrees."

http://www.wmur.com/news/19361785/detail.html

Kitt · 05-05-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by This'nThat

I suspect they were caught unawares when the wind picked up. If they went out early in the day, the winds were light -- around 4-5 mph. See the chart below for May 2, Laconia -- the winds suddenly became strong, which might have caught them by surprise.

Thanks for posting this info...one of the men was my uncle, and I'm sure he thought he would have time to put on his lifejacket and get back to shore if the weather got too rough. Just the fact that there were lifejackets on board tells me that he and his friend were caught by surprise...it's very possible they hit thier heads when the boat capsized, too.

Thank you to everyone on this forum for your prayers and kind thoughts...our family takes great comfort from the fact that he died doing something he loved.

Dave R · 05-05-2009, 01:24 PM

Terrible thing. Hope they did not suffer.

Where is Cavalier's Cove? Not a name I know.

Pineedles · 05-05-2009, 01:41 PM

It's in the Northeast corner of Centre Harbor ,way to the right of where the Mount docks as you enter the harbor. You may remember the property as the Oak Corner House property. Very sad, our next door neighbor saw the MP pull one of the men out of the water in front of our cottage. Kitt, very sorry for the loss of your Uncle.

MAXUM · 05-05-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EllyPoinster

What? I wasn't there but I would bet that the waterskiers were wearing wet suits and appropriate PFD's and were being dutifully observed from a sea-worthy tow boat that was prepared to quickly pick them up whenever necessary. Hardly a potentially life threatening situation.

Not exactly a smart thing to do either IMHO. Even in the best of circumstances it's still risky due to the water temps. That's all I was implying. Think about it if they heaven forbid had some mechanical failure and the boat and skier got separated? Probably not likely to happen, in the same way I bet those guys who went out fishing in that jon boat didn't expect what fate awaited them either.

jetskier · 05-05-2009, 05:56 PM

With a decent wet suit, water skiing at this temperature is not too much of an issue. Some cold fingers and toes though. Falling in with street cloths is clearly life threatening.

jetskier

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-05-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitt

Thanks for posting this info...one of the men was my uncle, and I'm sure he thought he would have time to put on his lifejacket and get back to shore if the weather got too rough. Just the fact that there were lifejackets on board tells me that he and his friend were caught by surprise...it's very possible they hit thier heads when the boat capsized, too.

Thank you to everyone on this forum for your prayers and kind thoughts...our family takes great comfort from the fact that he died doing something he loved.

Hello Kitt,

My husband and I were very sorry to hear about the loss of these two fishermen. Even sadder to know that a forum friend lost a loved one. Our condolences to you and your family for your loss.

Saturday morning started out quite calm and mild and then the wind did pick up considerably. I'm sure they both were caught unaware. You should definitely take comfort in the fact that your uncle was doing something he loved to do.

With sympathy,

Celia & Paul

steadyon · 05-06-2009, 07:28 AM

Very sad!

I had the pleasure of meeting Dan recently. He did some terriffic drywall finishing in my house a couple of months ago.
What a nice guy! I would come home from work to hear him singing to his head phone radio and he would give me a big smile when I walked up the stairs to say hi.
Then he would tell me funny stories about sleeping out in his bob house.
seemed to love fishing and the Patriots.
My heart felt condolences to all of Dan's family and friends and I am glad to have met him.
To those who are commenting on boat safety, I really don't think this is the thread! The guys have lost their lives!

SAMIAM · 05-06-2009, 08:05 AM

Waterskiing would be fun at this time of year as long as your spotter is ready to get you out of the water really FAST.
My crazy 5 year old grandaughter went SWIMMING on April 25th...that warm saturday. The more I called her crazy...the more she laughed,splashed and tried to soak me.
Never even got a case of chattering teeth.....must be nice to be 5.

John E · 05-06-2009, 08:14 AM

I'm also very sorry to hear about this tragedy.

As a waterskier, I'm sure anyone skiing in those temps would have a wetsuit or even more likely a drysuit on.

jrc · 05-06-2009, 11:35 AM

It is sad that these men lost their lives. Most fishermen know the dangers of cold water and prepare for it. But accidents still happen.

You really can't compare falling unexpectedly from a boat, fully clothed, with heavy boots and fishing gear with intentional exposure like water-skiing. We've all seen pictures of these polar bear clubs running into figid water in January. You can dunk yourself in cold water for a few seconds or minutes with relative safety, if you're prepared and have someone to back you up. With a wet-suit you can even tolerate more. White water kayakers often brave very cold spring rivers with wet-suits.

It's not just the water temp, it's the whole set of circumstances.

northeastelectric · 05-06-2009, 12:41 PM

Being from Portsmouth and also a recreational lobsterman & fisherman I have been out fishing by the isles of shoals in the ocean many,many times and have seen kayaks miles offshore and thought the same thing!!And although I have a couple myself I would never take them out there,but as for these guys it sounds like they may have know the lake fairly well but I think they just got caught by surprise with the weather,that lake can change as quick as the ocean sometimes as i am sure you who spend as much time there as I do all know,Sad,Sad Day,I feel for the families,Everyone stay safe out there this year.D.G.-Northeast Electric

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I completely agree, I was out fishing in the morning, we put in and left Center Harbor around the same time frame as these guys did. It was windy and it was clear there was a bit of a chop which only got worse as we progressed down the lake were things really opened up. Every year I see folks out there fishing in small, sometimes barely sea worthy boats with very little free board visible and wonder what goes through these people's minds. It's insane to do this, especially this time of year when the weather and conditions can change rapidly and without warning. With the water as cold as it is there is no room for error here or unfortunately people can and do die. Of course this pales in comparison to some people we saw yesterday waterskiing... yes you read correctly waterskiing. In 47 degree water.

No matter, sad for the families involved and I hope that all these guys that insist on fishing out in the middle of areas that can and do get extremely rough in these jon boats pay attention to this story.

05-02-2009, 02:07 PM	#1
DC Pointer Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 40 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Overturned Boat Center Harbor Three missing in Lake Winnipesaukee By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Center Harbor – Three people are missing after a small boat overturned in frigid Lake Winnipesaukee. The Marine Patrol says it got a call about an overturned boat around 9:30 Saturday morning in Cavaliers Cove in Center Harbor. It says its officers, along with Center Harbor police and firefighters and Fish and Game officers are searching for three people who had been in the boat. UnionLeader.com will be updated later this afternoon with more details.

05-02-2009, 03:15 PM	#2
This'nThat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 534 Thanks: 19 Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts	Two people are missing in Lake Winnipesaukee From the Union Leader: Two people are missing after a small boat overturned in frigid Lake Winnipesaukee. The Marine Patrol says it got a call about an overturned boat around 9:30 Saturday morning at Cavaliers Cove in Center Harbor. It says its officers, along with Center Harbor police and firefighters and Fish and Game officers are searching for two people who had been in the boat.

05-02-2009, 05:28 PM	#5
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,676 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 353 Thanked 637 Times in 289 Posts	Rough day It was very windy on the water today. Mild whitecaps and rollers. Our thoughts are with the families. The Union Leader story says the fishermen were in their 50s and from Meredith. Sad day. __________________ -lg

05-02-2009, 07:13 PM	#6
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	Bodies recovered.... WMUR is reporting that both bodies were recovered a short time ago. Story HERE. Very tragic, my thoughts and prayers to the families involved.

05-02-2009, 07:19 PM	#7
callmeD Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Saugus, MA and Gilford, NH Posts: 68 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	How very sad to hear about this. Please wear your life vests when out on the water. They can save your life. __________________ Maybe we have to mess up before we step up. Dr. Karev

05-02-2009, 04:17 PM	#3
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	Prayers go out to the missing men and their families.

05-02-2009, 05:11 PM	#4
Ropetow Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rochester, NH / Bartlett, NH Posts: 322 Thanks: 228 Thanked 33 Times in 13 Posts	Ditto...thoughts and prayers for a safe recovery of the boaters.

05-02-2009, 09:03 PM	#8
Waterbaby Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kensington, NH and Paugus Bay Marina Posts: 656 Thanks: 323 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Prayers to their families, how very sad. I'm not going to make any comment on not wearing PFDs. __________________ On the boat is always waterfront!

05-03-2009, 06:16 AM	#9
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	Complete story now on-line.... Full story of this tragedy can be read HERE in this morning's Citizen.

05-03-2009, 06:47 AM	#10
twoplustwo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 456 Thanks: 51 Thanked 39 Times in 21 Posts	how sad our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two boaters.

05-03-2009, 07:18 AM	#11
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,891 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,673 Times in 584 Posts	I happened to be using the boat ramp when the fisherman arrived to report the overturned boat.....I had to get out of there quickly because Center Harbor rescue responded in a matter of minutes.They had a boat in the water with EMT's and wet suits very quickly.Obviously a very well trained and experienced response team and its too bad for everyone that it was too late to save them.

05-03-2009, 07:53 AM	#12
Broken Glass Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Atkinson,NH/Rattlesnake Island Posts: 163 Thanks: 330 Thanked 66 Times in 27 Posts	Overturned Boat The paper is reporting two deaths in Center Harbor as a result of the overturned boat. http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll.../0/citnews1403

05-03-2009, 08:29 AM	#13
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,454 Thanks: 220 Thanked 802 Times in 480 Posts	Very sad story. I will probably get flamed for this, but why would anyone want to be out there in a 12' jon boat on a windy day with water temps as low as they are? It sounds like they set themselves up for trouble. They put themselves in harms way and unfortunately came up short. Jon boats are not made for this type of conditions. Two guys, gear and rough water don't mix with a 12' jon.

05-03-2009, 09:20 AM	#15
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,669 Thanks: 750 Thanked 1,444 Times in 1,003 Posts	What a terrible shame. If only they had read our post about WEARING your life jackets when the water is they cold, and HEEDED it, they would probably still be alive. What a waste.

05-03-2009, 09:57 AM	#16
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,541 Thanks: 1,071 Thanked 667 Times in 366 Posts	Very sad You are right Tis it's a shame, but the more we talk about wearing your life jacket, despite an ability to swim well, hopefully more people will heed the warning. I just sent my cousin the link who is a fisherman and ironically has a place at Cavalier's Cove. My condolences to the familys.

05-03-2009, 09:59 AM	#17
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,669 Thanks: 750 Thanked 1,444 Times in 1,003 Posts	Yes, I would not wear my life jacket in the summer in a small boat, canoe or kayak, because if I fell out I could swim, but when it is this cold, I don't care how good a swimmer you are, you can't move.

05-03-2009, 10:56 AM	#18
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,381 Thanks: 63 Thanked 253 Times in 172 Posts	Very sad. The newspaper article refers to death by "hypothermia," but that seems to be a misnomer. The correct terms: "cold shock" and "swimming failure." Google educated me a bit on this unfortunate issue: see link: http://www.seakayakermag.com/2008/Feb08/cold-shock.htm I wondered why a good swimmer couldn't swim 100 feet or so to safety: now I know. Still, very tragic.

05-03-2009, 04:33 PM	#20
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,931 Thanks: 2,200 Thanked 776 Times in 553 Posts	The Lightweight Jon Boat... Even as I was reading this account early this morning, I looked up to see a small jon boat trolling a good ¼-mile from any shore. Jon boats are popular (particularly in the South) for sheltered bayous, slow rivers and marshes, but not for a still-chilly lake whose character can change with the weather. As aircraft pilots know too well, it's the weather that can "do you in". For those unfamiliar with a "jon boat", this is what a typical jon boat looks like: But the above photo shows one that's two-feet longer than the jon boat that overturned!

05-04-2009, 06:35 AM	#21
Audiofn Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bedford, MA/Naples, ME Posts: 162 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	My thoughts go out to the families involved in the sad accident.

05-05-2009, 08:37 AM	#23
beantowntechy Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sadly, another fatal boating incident I was actually up at the lake this weekend but didn't hear anything about it until today. If someone else posted this in a thread, my apologies for the duplicate. My thoughts and condolences go out to their families and friends. Be safe out there. "CENTER HARBOR, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has released the names of two men who died after their small boat overturned in Lake Winnipesaukee over the weekend. The department said William McCann, 56, and Daniel Benjamin, 50, both of Meredith, were recovered from the frigid water Saturday. The Marine Patrol said it received a call about an overturned boat at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Cavaliers Cove in Center Harbor. The bodies were recovered Saturday afternoon. Investigators said the men had been fishing. It does not appear alcohol was involved in the deaths. The patrol said the water temperature was 48 degrees." http://www.wmur.com/news/19361785/detail.html

05-05-2009, 01:24 PM	#25
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,983 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	Terrible thing. Hope they did not suffer. Where is Cavalier's Cove? Not a name I know.

05-05-2009, 01:41 PM	#26
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,541 Thanks: 1,071 Thanked 667 Times in 366 Posts	Cavelier's Cove It's in the Northeast corner of Centre Harbor ,way to the right of where the Mount docks as you enter the harbor. You may remember the property as the Oak Corner House property. Very sad, our next door neighbor saw the MP pull one of the men out of the water in front of our cottage. Kitt, very sorry for the loss of your Uncle.

05-05-2009, 05:56 PM	#28
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 851 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	Waterskiing is not a big deal. With a decent wet suit, water skiing at this temperature is not too much of an issue. Some cold fingers and toes though. Falling in with street cloths is clearly life threatening. jetskier

05-06-2009, 07:28 AM	#30
steadyon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 102 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Very sad! I had the pleasure of meeting Dan recently. He did some terriffic drywall finishing in my house a couple of months ago. What a nice guy! I would come home from work to hear him singing to his head phone radio and he would give me a big smile when I walked up the stairs to say hi. Then he would tell me funny stories about sleeping out in his bob house. seemed to love fishing and the Patriots. My heart felt condolences to all of Dan's family and friends and I am glad to have met him. To those who are commenting on boat safety, I really don't think this is the thread! The guys have lost their lives!

05-06-2009, 08:05 AM	#31
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,891 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,673 Times in 584 Posts	Waterskiing would be fun at this time of year as long as your spotter is ready to get you out of the water really FAST. My crazy 5 year old grandaughter went SWIMMING on April 25th...that warm saturday. The more I called her crazy...the more she laughed,splashed and tried to soak me. Never even got a case of chattering teeth.....must be nice to be 5.

05-06-2009, 08:14 AM	#32
John E Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 59 Thanks: 2 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	I'm also very sorry to hear about this tragedy. As a waterskier, I'm sure anyone skiing in those temps would have a wetsuit or even more likely a drysuit on.

05-06-2009, 11:35 AM	#33
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	It is sad that these men lost their lives. Most fishermen know the dangers of cold water and prepare for it. But accidents still happen. You really can't compare falling unexpectedly from a boat, fully clothed, with heavy boots and fishing gear with intentional exposure like water-skiing. We've all seen pictures of these polar bear clubs running into figid water in January. You can dunk yourself in cold water for a few seconds or minutes with relative safety, if you're prepared and have someone to back you up. With a wet-suit you can even tolerate more. White water kayakers often brave very cold spring rivers with wet-suits. It's not just the water temp, it's the whole set of circumstances.