Lake Erie may look inviting this Memorial Day weekend, but officials warn dangerously cold water can trigger cold shock and hypothermia in minutes.
TOLEDO, Ohio — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, marking one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, local authorities are urging residents to prepare for dangerously cold water on Lake Erie.
Despite warm air temperatures, the lake remains incredibly cold. Lt. Sarah Genzman with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) at Maumee Bay State Park emphasized that boaters need to be aware of the stark difference between air and water temperatures.
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“A lot of people think because it’s 90 degrees outside that the water is equally as warm, but in Ohio that’s just not the case,” Genzman said.
The National Weather Service echoes the need for preparation on the Great Lakes, advising visitors to respect the power of the lake by checking official forecasts before heading to the water and always carrying U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and flotation cushions.
Cold Water Hazards
Genzman strongly recommended dressing for the water temperature rather than the air temperature, particularly for those in smaller vessels like canoes or kayaks that are more prone to capsizing or swamping. In these conditions, utilizing a dry suit or wetsuit is heavily advised.
Sudden immersion in cold water can trigger a dangerous physical response.
“There’s something that’s called cold shock, where that kind of gasping reflex where you can even suck in water,” Genzman said. She added that hypothermia can set in unexpectedly and rapidly in water temperatures below 70 degrees.
Safety Equipment and Education
Ohio law requires a wearable life jacket for everyone on board a boat.
Beyond life jackets, Genzman noted that boaters should carry distress signals, such as whistles, flags, flares or electronic beacons, and an anchor.
“A lot of people don’t realize an anchor is actually a piece of safety equipment,” Genzman said. “If your boat would break down and you’re drifting into a hazardous area, an anchor can be very important.”
Education is also a critical component of water safety. According to Ohio law, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1982, who operates a boat with more than 10 horsepower must complete a NASBLA-approved safe boating course.
To help boaters ensure they are compliant and safe, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft offers free vessel safety checks. An officer will inspect the boat’s equipment to verify all necessary safety items are on board to boat safely and lawfully before residents hit the water and risk committing a violation.
Upcoming Safety Event
To further promote water safety, ODNR is hosting an event at Maumee Bay State Park on Saturday, May 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will introduce a new life jacket loaner station from which the public can borrow.
The department is also partnering with the Josh Project, a Toledo-based group that provides affordable swimming lessons for drowning prevention. The first two hours of the event are reserved for children with the Josh Project, while the general public is welcome from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. to try canoeing or kayaking.