BOSTON (AP) – With warm temperatures forecast for the weekend, the Coast Guard is warning winter kayakers of the dangers of cold ocean waters.

Coast Guard officials issued a statement Friday expressing concern that novice kayakers may hit the ocean waters this weekend with temperatures expected to rise into the 50s on the Maine coast on Sunday. They say winter is not the time for people who received kayaks for Christmas to test their paddling skills for the first time.

Coast Guard recreational boating specialist Al Johnson says paddlers who do venture out should wear a dry suit or a full wet suit. He says they should be prepared for the painful shock that can come with a sudden plunge into the water.

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