(SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.) - You'll be putting your life in danger if you go swimming in cold water. Even on these warming days, water temperatures are still way too cold. Most people die within the first minute of being in cold water because their body goes into shock.
Aiden Gause from the Lewes Fire Department explains the 1-10-1 rule. He says that if you survive the first minute, you can have about 10 minutes of movement/ability to swim, and about one hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia.
If you're fishing, kayaking, or doing another water-related activity, make sure you're protected by a life jacket.
"Its very important to make sure you're wearing the correct size," says Michelle Vickers from Shorts Marine in
Millsboro. Life jackets come in sizes for infants, children, adults, and pets.
Last year in early June a 14-year-old boy drowned in the Nanticoke River because of the cold.
"the little children came running over for help, but unfortunately it was too late," said Leman Wright, who was working nearby.
Make sure the water is a temperature safe for swimming before going in.