Contoocook Village Weather

* WHAT...Warm temperatures in the 70s may cause people to
underestimate the dangers of cold water temperatures which are
currently in the mid to upper 40s.

* WHERE...In Maine, Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc,
Lincoln, Knox and Coastal Waldo Counties. In New Hampshire,
Coastal Rockingham County.

* WHEN...From Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Warm to
hot air temperatures will continue through at least Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The cold water temperatures can quickly cause
hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US
Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees,
the chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is
extremely high. Anyone on boats or paddlecraft should use
extreme caution to avoid this threat.

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued on days when a significant
number of boats and paddlecraft are expected to be out on the
water and when warm air temperatures may cause people to
underestimate the danger of the cold water. Paddle smart from the
start. Always wear your life jacket. Be aware of wind conditions,
tides, and localized currents.

All boaters and paddlers are highly encouraged to contact the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons at
www.wow.uscgaux/i_want_a_usc/index.php to receive a FREE vessel
check. This is a convenient, no consequence way to ensure your
vessel is outfitted with all required safety equipment.
Additionally, please label your paddlecraft with your contact
information (IF FOUND Sticker) in the event it is found adrift on
the water.

* The warm air temperatures this weekend in the lower 70s may cause
people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures
which are currently only in the upper 30s and lower 40s across
Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the region's smaller
lakes and rivers.

* The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to
anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard,
when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of
immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high.
Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly
if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this
threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life
jacket!

* Breezy winds are also expected this weekend with gusts up to 25 mph
from the southwest. If boating on large bodies of water, these
winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe,
or kayak due to increased wave heights.

* Due to rain, area rivers continue to run fast with swift water
currents. The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or canoe into
the frigid river waters. Once in the cold water, the strong
currents will make it difficult to reach safety.