Hazards

Be on the lookout for obstructions near the shoreline, including floating debris, shallow areas, submerged stumps, logs and rocks.

Protecting Yourself from Hypothermia

Cold water kills quickly. Wearing a lifejacket can save your life! It can double your survival time in cold water.

If stranded, do not try to swim. Remain still to conserve heat and assume the fetal, or Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP). This position only works if you wear a life jacket.

If your boat capsizes, stay with the boat if it is still afloat. Get yourself as far out of the water as possible. This will help stave off the effects of hypothermia and offer a much larger target to those that may be searching for you.

If stranded in groups, huddle together to preserve body heat.

Dress appropriately for the water conditions.

Financial assistance for this project was provided, in part, by the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program, Office of the Great Lakes, Department of Environmental Quality, under the National Coastal Zone Management Program, through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.