Beautiful days like today make me excited about the upcoming paddling season!

I was at the beach a few days ago and saw that the construction for the new parking lot and beach house are coming along.

I just spoke with someone at the Lakeview Center who said they are planning on having the parking lots open by opening day May 11.

Here is a picture from April 7.

When we do begin to paddle, please remember there are links on the R hand side of this web page to the Wilmette Buoy, Lake Michigan Water Temperatures, NOAA and Weather Underground, Wilmette Sailing Beach Conditions, and a Loyola University camera that looks out onto Lake Michigan.

Currently water temps are 47 degrees at the shore and 37 degrees at the Chicago crib.

Here are my COLD WEATHER reminders:

1. A good rule of thumb– if the air temperature plus the water temperature is less than 120 degrees F, you should wear a wet suit.
2. The 50-50 rules: One of the 50-50 rules states that without protective clothing and a PFD, you only have a 50-50 chance of being able to swim 50 yards in 50-degree water. It depends a lot on the swimmer’s body composition, physical condition and age, but it certainly helps explain why people often drown very close to shore in cold water.
3. Water temperature: 60°F and up hypothermia risk: low; Appropriate clothing: clothing for the weather
   Water temperature: 55-59°F hypothermia risk: moderate; Appropriate clothing: wetsuit or drysuit
   Water temperature: 45-54°F hypothermia risk: high; Appropriate clothing: drysuit recommended
   Water temperature: below 45°F hypothermia risk: extreme; Appropriate clothing: drysuit strongly recommended

Here is link to an article and video about a cold water rescue…  Very scary, but good reminder.  Paddle with a partner, a radio, and a plan.  Dress for immersion.  Always wear a PFD!

Be safe, and see you on the water soon!