I have previously written about paddling in cold water. (See: A Last Cold Paddle on the Mohawk, and An Accident and Some Lessons Learned)  Here in the Great Northeast, we can need protection from cold water through May and into June.  Two excellent articles on surviving immersion in cold water from Sea Kayaker Magazine’s website add additional information on this important topic, The links are below.     

Is a PFD a Lifejacket?

http://www.seakayakermag.com/2009/09e-newsletters/february/pdf-lifejacket.htm

Cold Shock and Swimming Failure

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

Remember these two cold weather and cold water rules:

1. •    Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
   

2. •    Don’t wear cotton.  Cotton kills!
   

Good luck and stay safe!

    Yackman