New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“The Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit would like to remind residents of, and visitors to, Massachusetts about some important water safety tips for the spring season.
The forecast for inland Massachusetts is sunny skies with average temperatures above 80 degrees Thursday through Monday, while temperatures in some Coastal Massachusetts communities are expected to rise above 80 degrees on Saturday and Sunday.
Water temperatures are currently around 47 degrees. When extremely cold water temperatures combine with very warm air temperatures, swimmers are susceptible to serious, potentially tragic, problems.
People who dive into very cold water on a very warm day may experience involuntarily inhalation which, in severe instances, can lead to drowning. Additionally, the body’s attempts to regulate temperature can cause rapid onset of fatigue, which can also lead to drowning. Symptoms of cold water shock to watch for include immediate and involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, panic, and vertigo.
Bottom line: people shouldn’t be swimming in the ocean, ponds, or lakes until the water to air temperature gap is decreased. Please enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend, but do so safely.” -Massachusetts State Police.
