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. When someone falls overboard, their core temperature begins to drop within 10-15 minutes. The more energy someone spends after going overboard, the more quickly their body temperature drops, reducing their 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, Wood said. Instead, button, buckle, zip and tighten collars, cuffs, shoes and hoods.