How can you prevent hypothermia while boating in cold weather?

Wearing appropriate clothing, including a wet suit if necessary, is essential in preventing hypothermia while boating in cold weather. Proper clothing acts as insulation and helps retain body heat. A wet suit is particularly effective because it minimizes heat loss when you are in contact with cold water and can keep you warmer than regular clothing when splashed or submerged.

Staying in the cabin at all times is not a practical solution, as it prevents you from actively participating in boating and responding effectively to emergencies. Similarly, using only a life jacket does not address the need for protecting your body from the cold. While life jackets are crucial for safety and floatation, they do not provide thermal insulation against cold water. Drinking hot beverages can help warm you internally, but it is not a sufficient preventive measure against hypothermia on its own. The primary line of defense is to wear suitable protective clothing that insulates your body from cold temperatures and water exposure.