2025-Oct-10
Cold Water Boating: Prepare for the Unexpected
As the seasons change, many boaters look forward to enjoying the solitude and excellent fishing that fall has to offer. However, boating on the Bay from October through June demands extra attention to detail and a healthy dose of caution. With fewer boaters on the water during these months, it is crucial to be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies, as help may be farther away if you run into trouble.
Here are some helpful tips to make your off-season boating adventures safer:
- Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature – wear layers of breathable clothing, and consider investing in a one-piece survival suit. These can provide vital thermal protection in case of an accidental immersion.
- Wear your lifejacket! – wearing a lifejacket in cold water can be a lifesaver. In any accidental immersion situation, it increases your chances of survival by keeping your head above water, reducing energy expenditure, increasing visibility and providing another layer of thermal protection. This is especially critical in cold water, where hypothermia can set in quickly.
- Watch the weather – fall weather on the Bay can be unpredictable and prone to rapid changes. Always check the forecast before heading out, and keep an eye on the horizon for signs of changing weather patterns. Fog is also more common in cold water conditions, so be prepared to slow down and navigate carefully.
- Ensure your boat is in good working order – carry a few spare parts and tools to enable you to fix minor problems. A backup gas tank is also a good idea, as it can help you stay afloat if your main engine fails.
- Make sure your boat is equipped with the proper safety gear – have a marine radio or cell phone, flares, tow rope and a first kit (Find out everything you need to have aboard here) and ensure your gear is in good working order, easily accessible, and properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Leave a Plan – before heading out, leave a plan with a responsible person that includes your destination and your expected return.
- Learn the 1-10-1 Principle – a crucial guideline for cold water survival, the 1-10-1 Principle outlines your window of opportunity for survival: you have 1 minute to regulate your breathing, 10 minutes of meaningful movement to attempt self-rescue, and 1 hour until hypothermia renders you unconscious.
The cold water season on Georgian Bay lasts from October to June, so if you plan to be out on the water during this time, consider taking a virtual Cold Water Awareness workshop to learn more about hypothermia and cold water survival. Workshops take place over 2 evenings, and the cost is $100.
Register now for one of these upcoming workshops:
Tuesday, November 25 & Thursday, November 27, 2025
Tuesday, January 13 & Thursday, January 15, 2026
Tuesday, February 24 & Thursday, February 26, 2026
Find out how to register here.