Boaters face winter hazards

Recreational boaters are more likely to die in winter accidents than during the summertime, the latest U.S. Coast Guard statistics show.

Although fewer boating accidents occur when the water is cold, nearly one in four boating accidents in November and December 2003 were fatal, compared with less than one in 14 in July, the busiest month for boating.

Hypothermia is the leading killer in cold-weather accidents.

The Coast Guard urges winter boaters to wear layers of clothing topped by a "float coat," a waterproof jacket as buoyant as a lifejacket. Warm clothing will not be enough if you're knocked unconscious in the water, the agency warns.

Scott Doggett