65MPH. WE’VE GOT THE BROWN SHADES THERE ON THE MAP. THANK YOU ERIC. AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP, WATER TEMPERATURES ARE STILL PLAYING CATCH UP. STATE PARKS ARE REMINDING VOTERS OF THE RISKS OF JUMPING INTO COLD WATER, INCLUDING HYPOTHERMIA, LOSS OF STRENGTH AND EVEN HAVING A PANIC ATTACK. PARKS ARE REPORTING SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF PEOPLE NEARLY DROWNING IN RECENT WEEKS. OFFICIALS RECOMMEND WEARING LIFE JACKETS AND A WETSUIT.
State Parks warn spring boaters about cold water dangers
Several recent close calls reported involving unprepared boaters
As warmer weather draws New Mexicans back to lakes and reservoirs, state officials are cautioning that water conditions remain dangerously cold, following several recent close calls involving unprepared boaters.The New Mexico State Parks Division issued the warning this week, urging recreational boaters to take extra precautions before heading out early in the season.”People are eager to get back on the water, but the conditions haven’t caught up to the season yet,” said Scott Chalmers, the state’s boating safety coordinator.Officials say cold-water immersion can quickly turn a routine outing into a life-threatening emergency. Even strong swimmers are at risk when water temperatures remain low, as the body reacts immediately and often uncontrollably.According to State Parks, sudden immersion in cold water can trigger involuntary gasping and rapid breathing, increasing the likelihood of inhaling water and drowning. Within minutes, exposure can also reduce strength and coordination in the arms and legs, making it difficult — if not impossible — to stay afloat without assistance. Prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia, further raising the risk of death if rescue is delayed.The agency is emphasizing several key safety measures for spring boating:Always wear a properly fitted life jacketDress for the water temperature, not the air temperature, using a wetsuit, dry suit, or float coat Check weather conditions before heading outShare a float plan with someone on shore, including boating details, vehicle description, and emergency contactsTo support safety efforts, many state parks across New Mexico offer free life jackets through a statewide loaner program. The initiative, created in partnership with national boating safety organizations and local agencies, allows visitors to borrow life jackets for a day or weekend at no cost.The state is also expanding access to safety equipment with the installation of new life jacket loaner kiosks, starting this summer at Navajo Lake State Park.Officials encourage boaters to review additional safety resources, including cold-water preparedness tips and checklists, available on the State Parks Division website.
As warmer weather draws New Mexicans back to lakes and reservoirs, state officials are cautioning that water conditions remain dangerously cold, following several recent close calls involving unprepared boaters.
The New Mexico State Parks Division issued the warning this week, urging recreational boaters to take extra precautions before heading out early in the season.
“People are eager to get back on the water, but the conditions haven’t caught up to the season yet,” said Scott Chalmers, the state’s boating safety coordinator.
Officials say cold-water immersion can quickly turn a routine outing into a life-threatening emergency. Even strong swimmers are at risk when water temperatures remain low, as the body reacts immediately and often uncontrollably.
According to State Parks, sudden immersion in cold water can trigger involuntary gasping and rapid breathing, increasing the likelihood of inhaling water and drowning. Within minutes, exposure can also reduce strength and coordination in the arms and legs, making it difficult — if not impossible — to stay afloat without assistance. Prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia, further raising the risk of death if rescue is delayed.
The agency is emphasizing several key safety measures for spring boating:
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket
- Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature, using a wetsuit, dry suit, or float coat
- Check weather conditions before heading out
- Share a float plan with someone on shore, including boating details, vehicle description, and emergency contacts
To support safety efforts, many state parks across New Mexico offer free life jackets through a statewide loaner program. The initiative, created in partnership with national boating safety organizations and local agencies, allows visitors to borrow life jackets for a day or weekend at no cost.
The state is also expanding access to safety equipment with the installation of new life jacket loaner kiosks, starting this summer at Navajo Lake State Park.
Officials encourage boaters to review additional safety resources, including cold-water preparedness tips and checklists, available on the State Parks Division website.
