As open water endurance athletes the places we train, race and play are directly impacted by challenging weather and water conditions that beyond making a session harder can also put us, our coaches, race directors, lifeguards, family and friends in danger. Through all our initiatives and entities we focus on sharing the information and tools to recognize and avoid dangerous conditions. We also share, teach and train our diverse communities the skills and mindset to respond effectively when we or others are in dangerous situations.
Warm air doesn’t always mean warm water in lakes, streams or oceans. Fifty five degree water may not sound very cold, but it can be deadly. Plunging into cold water of any temperature becomes dangerous if you aren’t prepared for what the sudden exposure can do to your body and brain. Warm air temperatures can create a false sense of security for boaters and beach goers, so if you are planning to be on or near the water, arrive knowing the conditions and how to protect yourself. Cold water drains body heat up to 4 times faster than cold air. When your body hits cold water, “cold shock” can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The sudden gasp and rapid breathing alone creates a greater risk of drowning even for confident swimmers in calm waters. In rougher open water this danger increases. Unplanned immersion in cold water can be life-threatening for anyone without protection from the temperatures or a lifejacket to help you stay afloat. When Cold Shock and Hypothermia begin to impact your ability to think and act, lifejackets and floatation can create extra time for help to arrive or for you to get out of danger. Even the most experienced cold water surfers, swimmers or boaters know to prepare for the conditions.
Even a 5 mph wind can have an impact on the surface of the water and a swimmer's experience. At 10, 15, 20 mph that impact gets exponentially worse while also becoming dangerous. Small Craft Advisories are a critical warning to heed if you are heading out to swim, paddle or kayak.
For Land Lovers
1 Knot = 1.15 MPH
Small Craft Advisory (SCA): An advisory issued by coastal and Great Lakes Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) for areas included in the Coastal Waters Forecast or Nearshore Marine Forecast (NSH) products. Thresholds governing the issuance of small craft advisories are specific to geographic areas. A Small Craft Advisory may also be issued when sea or lake ice exists that could be hazardous to small boats. There is no precise definition of a small craft. Any vessel that may be adversely affected by Small Craft Advisory criteria should be considered a small craft. Other considerations include the experience of the vessel operator, and the type, overall size, and seaworthiness of the vessel.
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. Lightning can strike out of blue skies miles from the actual storm. Learn more about dangers, prevention and actions before lightning strikes and how to respond if you are someone you see is struck. NOAA NWS Lightning Outdoors Brochure
Even a small wave crashing against you has tremendous power. To smaller children waves that may be only knee high on an adult can be dangerous and traumatic. For even the strongest pool swimmer who swims hours each week can find themselves in traumatic or dangerous situations in breaking surf if they do not respect and understand the ocean's dynamic and powerful coastal environment. Shore Break - Any breaking wave can be dangerous, but a wave breaking directly on a steep shore is even more likely to cause serious injury. Imagine the weight of a car pushing down on your head, neck or back and pinning you against the sand. That is the impact a shore break wave can have and perhaps change your life forever.