KEYSTONE — Nice February weather is bringing folks outdoors, but Oklahoma lakes are still dangerously cold.
After a warm stretch of sunshine across the Cimarron Valley, more families are heading out to fish and enjoy the water. But even when the air feels like spring, the water is still winter-cold, and that can turn a fun afternoon into a life-threatening emergency in minutes. Lake water warms slowly. After weeks of cold weather, temperatures can still sit in the 30s or 40s even on a 65-degree day.
Cold Water Shock Happens Fast
Falling into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex and loss of muscle control within seconds.
Even strong swimmers can’t fight cold shock. Hypothermia can begin in minutes.
• Always wear a life jacket, don’t just keep one in the boat
• Keep a throw rope within reach
• Carry a whistle or air horn
Dress for the Water, Not the Weather
If you fall in, you’ll be in the water temperature, not the air temperature.
• Wear layered, moisture-wicking clothing
• Avoid cotton
• Bring dry clothes in a waterproof bag
• Wear insulated boots, gloves and a hat Hands and feet go numb quickly in cold water, making it hard to climb back into a boat or dial a phone.
Don’t Go Alone
Warm afternoons make it tempting to sneak out solo, but winter water is no time to fish alone.
• Take a buddy
• Tell someone where you’ll be
• Set a return time
• Keep your phone in a dry bag
Watch the Wind
Oklahoma’s warm days often come with strong south winds that can whip up rough water quickly on area lakes like Keystone, Shell, Pawnee, and Heyburn.
A small boat problem becomes dangerous fast when the water is cold.
If Someone Falls In
• Call 911 immediately
• Throw flotation — don’t jump in
• Pull them out horizontally
• Remove wet clothes and warm slowly Rapid rewarming can be dangerous. Use blankets and dry clothes.
A Good Rule of Thumb
If the water is under 60 degrees, and it is right now, treat every outing like winter boating.
Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the fishing, but respect the water so you can make it home to tell the story.