On Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:59:26 -0500, JimH wrote:


For us, our boating is limited to some Spring fishing, summer swimming
and fall fishing and swimming. Only during Spring is the water
temperature an issue for hypothermia. A life jacket is in easy reach
for me at all times while on the boat, as it is for all aboard.

If the water temps are below 80 degrees, hypothermia is an issue, and not
the only one. Cooler temperatures will quickly sap your strength. A
mere 100 yard swim, fully clothed, in @50 degree water, damn near killed
me. The only thing that kept me going, was I knew I was dead if I
stopped swimming.