Hospital Corner: Stay afloat – practice water safety

After a cool, wet spring, temperatures are finally starting to rise while the rivers are subsiding from the rush of spring runoff, and it is time to start thinking about getting out on the water. Although the air feels hot, the water in lakes and rivers is still cold. Water sports enthusiasts should remember that where safety is concerned water temperature matters more than the air temperature. 

When recreating in water for prolonged periods, wear a wetsuit or drysuit when the water temperature is under 70 degrees and always wear a life jacket. As of mid-June, the water temperature for Whitefish Lake has finally reached 60 degrees while Flathead Lake is still in the fifties.  

Monitor the time spent in the water and especially with children. Prolonged exposure to cold water can cause hypothermia, a condition that can quickly turn dangerous. Know the signs of hypothermia and call 911 if they are present.  

Key signs of hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering; slow breathing and weak pulse; the “umbles”: mumbling, fumbling and stumbling; confusion or impaired judgement; drowsiness and exhaustion. 

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, get the person indoors and remove wet clothing gradually with dry blankets, towels and coats. If necessary, use body heat (skin-to-skin) under a blanket. 

Water plays a big part in our summers here in northwest Montana, so before getting on a boat of any size, make sure you have a personal floatation device (PFD). Drowning is a risk regardless of temperatures. Most commonly occurring between June and August, there have been an average of 20 drowning fatalities per year in Montana. State law requires all vessels – including paddleboards—to carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD/life jacket for each person on board that is appropriately sized and readily accessible. Children under 12 years of age must always wear a properly sized and properly fastened jacket.  

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks have loaner life jackets available for those that need one. Stop by their office at 490 Meridian Road in Kalispell. Flathead Rivers Alliance also offers loaner life jackets for boaters at West Glacier, on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and at Glacier Rim on the North Fork. 

While people sometimes recreate alone, it is always safer to have a companion when around water. If you choose to go solo, take proper precautions. Check the weather forecast and water conditions. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Wear your PFD with a whistle. Know your own limitations and use extra caution. 

Water safety should always be top of mind to help prevent a perfect summer day from turning into a tragedy. 

For more information about water and boating safety in Montana, visit fwp.mt.gov/boating/safety or flatheadrivers.org.