Coast Guard warns of dangerously cold water on St. Lawrence River

ALEXANDRIA BAY, N.Y. (WWTI) — Blue skies and sunshine can be deceiving on the St. Lawrence River.

The U.S. Coast Guard Alexandria Bay has warned of dangerously low water temperatures, despite May’s warmer weather.

“We’re looking at water temps anywhere from 49 degrees to roughly the low fifties,” Alexandria Bay Chief Petty Officer Joshua McGowan. “It’s still very cold right now. With the encouraging temperatures, we expect a lot of boaters to come out due to the beautiful weather we’re having here on the St Lawrence.”

Traffic on the water has been steadily increased since April. However, a top concern for the Coast Guard is hypothermia.

“Hypothermia can set in very fast with the current water temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit,” CPO McGowan explained. “You’re talking maybe 15 to 30 minutes.”

Early in the season, Coast Guard crew members wear protective cold-weather gear. This includes dry suits when temperatures are low.

Boaters, swimmers and water recreationists are urged to also protect themselves to this level, and be aware of their surroundings.

“You should just be mindful of how long you’ve been in the water. If you start to get tingling in your hands and stuff like that. It might be time to get out and dry off into the sun a little bit,” McGowan added. “Make sure you watch your footing, make sure you don’t trip over anything that you’re going to end up in the water.”

By state and federal laws, vessels are required to carry a list of items on board, which include:

• Personal flotation devices
• Fire extinguishers
• Virtual distress signals
• Sound producing devices
• Registration and numbering
• Ventilation
• Battery cover and connections

Crews will be patrolling and conducting safety checks to ensure all vessels have these items. Vessels without these items can result in a citation.

U.S. Coast Guard Alexandria Bay will also host an open house on Saturday, May 18. Crews will be providing free vessel safety checks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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