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December 21, 2015

Ski Safety in Cold Weather

Whenever a skier hits the slopes there is some basic knowledge– some universal rules and guidelines — that every winter athlete is expected to know: properly yield to other skiers, know how to use a chairlift, obey all the signs, know how to fall, stay in control of yourself based on your ability, and so on. Since skiing is a winter sport, it is especially incumbent upon a skier to respect the weather and follow some basic cold weather advice.  

First, you should be properly prepared for an outing in the cold. Eat, stretch and be hydrated before you begin to ski, and allow for breaks during your day so you can get a snack and a drink of water. The emphasis on food is important not only for your comfort, but primarily because the body needs calories to stay warm. Skiing is an intense activity that burns a lot of fuel, so don’t underestimate the amount of calories you may need to stay warm.

You should wear sunscreen to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, and be properly dressed for cold weather. Avoid cotton clothing which tends to stay damp and wet, and choose fabrics that are water-resistant and that wick moisture away from the body. If children are in your group you should check on them regularly to make sure their clothing is dry and their noses are not too red.  One great way to keep track of their location is with a GPS system like the kind offered by BeaconWatch. Their SeaMe monitor can help you locate anyone on the slopes in no time.

Finally, you should be familiar with the park terrain. If the weather turns bad, you don’t want to be lost on the slopes or not know where a shelter is. Look at a trail map before skiing so you will have your bearings no matter where you are located. Following these common sense winter weather precautions will make your outing both safer and more enjoyable.

November 30, 2015

Cold Weather Boating

No doubt there are advantages to boating in seasons other than summer: the autumn leaves can be a spectacular flash of color, fishing is usually outrageous in the spring, and after a freshly fallen snow winter has a pristine beauty all its own. An off-season excursion however has the unique dangers of cold weather boating. Here is a simple checklist for any boat captain to examine to be sure everyone is safe on all of his off-season adventures.

  • Be sure to check the weather beforehand.  Don’t wait until your ready to leave the dock before you decide to see what those dark clouds are!
  • Leave a detailed float plan for someone you trust. In cold weather, it is especially critical for someone to know where you are in the event of an emergency.
  • Avoid wearing cotton clothing. Cotton stays damp and wet from either water or perspiration and so is not the fabric of choice when you are out in cold weather. Try to wear water-resistant material that wicks moisture away from the body when it gets wet.
  • Do all the proper maintenance on your boat before every excursion.  Don’t get stranded out of negligence.
  • Have a life jacket for everyone and a SeaMe monitor from BeaconWatch.  If someone falls in the water the SeaMe monitor let’s you locate them quickly and pull them out before they drown or get hypothermia.  
  • Have your cell phone charged and in a plastic baggie.
  • Avoid alcohol. Alcohol not only is one of the leading factors in boating accidents, but it also can bring on hypothermia a lot quicker.

If a captain takes a few extra cold weather precautions, boating in the off-seasons can a enjoyable and peaceful experience. With these steps, your boat doesn’t have to sit in storage for half of the time, but can be a part of your life all year long.

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