AUGUSTA – Despite last week’s summer-like temperatures and this week’s high water in area rivers and streams, the Maine Warden Service issued a warning about cold water dangers.

“Going in to ‘cool off’ poses great risks – from numbness of extremities to possibly death,” spokeswoman Deborah Turcotte stated Saturday in a report.

Additionally, the warden service urged boaters, including canoeists and kayakers, to wear life jackets.

“Prolonged immersion in cold water can kill and, wearing a life jacket can greatly increase your survival chances if you are in the water unexpectedly,” Turcotte said.

According to the report, cold water is defined as any water with a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It can be deadly if one falls in unexpectedly.

Turcotte said boaters should always be aware of the dangers of cold water, particularly during the early part of the season when the water is colder and there are fewer boaters around to help.

“The initial shock of entering cold water can severely strain the body and it can even cause instant cardiac arrest. Survivors of cold water accidents often describe having their breath ‘knocked out’ of them upon their first impact with the water,” Turcotte said.

Disorientation may also happen after dunk in cold water.

“In addition, immersion in cold water can quickly numb the extremities to the point of uselessness. Cold hands may be unable to fasten the straps of a life jacket, grasp a thrown rescue line, or hold onto a boat,” Turcotte said.

She offered the following cold water survival tips:

• Always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Form a group and take several boats along.

• Dress properly for the cold. Several layers of light clothing offer better protection than a single heavy layer. Polypropylene offers the best protection other than a diver’s wet suit.

• Always wear a life jacket in cold water and try not to panic. Think survival. Keep movement to a minimum, and if you do have to tread water, do it slowly. This will reduce heat loss and aid retention of the air trapped inside clothing, which can provide buoyancy and insulation. If in swift water, float and point your toes downstream.