The end of summer doesn't have to mean the end of boating.
Many boaters find that fall and even mild winter days are uncrowded and beautiful out on the water.
But though the air may be pleasant, the water will be colder, and cold water kills. Tim Coleman, Safe Boating Coordinator for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section. When someone falls overboard, his or her core temperature begins to drop within 10-15 minutes. The more energy someone spends after going overboard, the more quickly the body temperature drops, reducing survival time. Wearing a life jacket adds to survival time in the water, not only by minimizing motion needed to keep afloat, but also by helping insulate the body, Coleman said.