While they probably had life jackets in their boat, not wearing one in cold weather can be a deadly mistake.

Although adult boaters are not required to wear life jackets unless they are within 800 feet of the downstream side on a dam, it just makes common sense to wear one at all times while fishing in cold weather.

Fall into cold water and even the strongest swimmers can suddenly find themselves unable to swim back to the boat if they take a tumble overboard.

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s core temperature falls. Someone who falls into the cold water can be overcome by hypothermia.

A swimmer wearing a life jacket in cold water is less likely to become the next drowning victim than the guy who thinks he is too tough to wear one.

Another reason to always wear a life jacket while fishing in chilly weather is the amount of clothing worn for wintertime fishing. the weight of waterlogged winter clothing can make it hard to swim. A life jacket can help keep you stay afloat until you are able to make it back to the boat while trying to swim in heavy clothing.

Speaking of clothing, always carry along a change of clothes and some towels when fishing in cold weather.

If you do fall in, you will definitely want to change clothes once you are back in the boat. Wearing wet clothing on a cold day can also bring on hypothermia.

Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and exhaustion.

Duck hunters should also take a change of clothes and take precautions to avoid falling victim to hypothermia.

Some long range weather forecasts are indicating a warming trend will begin Thursday and it could be a while before bitterly cold temperatures like we have had the past few days return to the Tennessee Valley. Just because the air temperature might be a little warmer does not mean the threat of hypothermia is going to suddenly go away.

Water temperatures are downright cold and likely to remain that way until spring.

There’s no reason to avoid the water just because it’s cold.

Wintertime fishing can be very productive and waterfowl hunting and cold weather are a perfect mix.

Just be careful when around the water when it’s cold and always wear a life jacket in chilly conditions.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 256-740-5746 or dennis.sherer@TimesDaily.com.