A very serious danger and the most underrated hazard to the off-season canoeist is the effect of cold water. Hypothermia is a condition where the body loses its natural thermal regulation. At 32.5 degree F a body can remain immersed in the water less than fifteen minutes before unconsciousness sets in. At 40 degree F it takes an average of about thirty minutes. For this reason it is imperative that cold weather canoeists carry waterproof dunk bags with warm dry clothes, and warm weather canoeists should do the same.
Hot weather can be as dangerous as cold weather.
Water and aluminum canoes cause considerable reflection on sunny days which may lead to serious sunburn, heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Everyone enjoys getting out in the sun but canoeing in a bathing suit may be a fool-hardy experience. All canoeists need to wear or carry a shirt, blouse or jacket. Hats or other head coverings may be in order to prevent heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Know the symptoms and first aid procedures for these illnesses.