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Hidden Beach Threat Sparks Warning for Thousands
Hidden Beach Threat Sparks Warning for Thousands

Newsweek

time3 days ago

  • Climate
  • Newsweek

Hidden Beach Threat Sparks Warning for Thousands

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Dangerously cold waters are posing a hazard for nearly 60,000 people along the Atlantic coast on Friday as the summer weather attracts people to outdoor recreation such as boating, kayaking, and other water sports. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued a beach hazards statement alerting people in parts of coastal Maine to use "extreme caution" when venturing in or near the water. Why It Matters The latest beach hazards statement underscored a persistent, underestimated threat along Maine's shoreline: the stark difference between comfortable air and dangerously cold ocean temperatures. While air temperatures on Friday climbed into the 70s, water temperatures stayed in the low to mid-50s. Experts warned that this creates an especially deceptive environment, increasing the risk of hypothermia and drowning for anyone entering the water without proper precautions. Physiologically, exposure to cold water can cause rapid loss of muscle coordination, uncontrollable gasping, and a swift reduction in core body temperature. These effects leave both adults and children highly vulnerable: even experienced swimmers can quickly be incapacitated. A stock photo of a beach in Maine. A stock photo of a beach in Maine. EJ-J/Getty What To Know The NWS advisory applied to coastal regions of Hancock and Washington counties, both popular destinations during summer months. Despite the mid-July date, the ocean off Maine's coast typically remains below 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout most of the season. "The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone in the water," the statement said. "Anyone on a boat or paddlecraft should use extreme caution." The advisory cautioned that, in such conditions, cold shock, which includes gasping and hyperventilation, can strike swiftly, dramatically reducing any person's chance of self-rescue. Officials specifically warned recreational boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders to use "extreme caution," highlighting that sudden immersion could leave them unable to swim or call for help. The statement urged everyone to wear a life jacket, remain aware of local wind and tide conditions, and clearly label vessels with owner information to improve emergency response times. It can take the entire summer for Maine's coastal waters to warm above 60 degrees. What People Are Saying NWS warning coordination meteorologist Donny Dumont told Newsweek: "Anything [water] below 60 degrees Fahrenheit we consider pretty hazardous water temperatures." The beach hazards statement said: "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." What Happens Next The issued beach hazard statement was scheduled to remain active through Friday evening. Ongoing monitoring by the NWS meant similar advisories could follow, depending on water and air temperature trends and recreation patterns along the coast.

People Told to 'Use Extreme Caution' Amid Hidden Threat at Maine Beaches
People Told to 'Use Extreme Caution' Amid Hidden Threat at Maine Beaches

Newsweek

time11-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Newsweek

People Told to 'Use Extreme Caution' Amid Hidden Threat at Maine Beaches

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As people flock to area beaches to enjoy the warm weather in Maine, local officials are urging them to exercise "extreme caution" amid a hidden threat in the water that could result in drowning. National Weather Service (NWS) warning coordination meteorologist Donny Dumont told Newsweek that Maine's coastal water can take the entire summer to get above 60 degrees. "Anything below 60 degrees Fahrenheit we consider pretty hazardous water temperatures," he said. Why It Matters This set of coastal warnings reflects a recurring, life-threatening hazard that can be underestimated during warm, sunny days in Maine. The contrast between comfortable air and frigid water poses a unique danger, leaving residents and visitors vulnerable to hypothermia even during peak beach season. Such risks are particularly acute for recreational paddlers, boaters, and families, as people may misjudge the risk due to the pleasant atmosphere above water. The physiological impacts of cold water, such as muscle failure, loss of coordination, and rapid reduction in core body temperature, can result in drowning. Kayaks are seen on a beach in Maine. Kayaks are seen on a beach in Maine. NorthHatley/Getty What to Know The beach hazard statements affected Maine's Knox, Waldo, Hancock and Washington counties. These regions span a swath of the state's eastern shorelines, which are popular with tourists, locals, and recreational boaters. While air temperatures on Friday were forecasted in the 70s, water temperatures in the region remained in the dangerous mid-50s range. The NWS highlighted that this disparity can mislead people into entering or engaging with water that feels deadly cold, even as outdoor conditions seem inviting. Cold water can induce uncontrollable gasping, muscle failure, and impair the ability to self-rescue or swim, leading to drowning within a short timeframe. Even strong swimmers are vulnerable to the frigid conditions. The advisories stressed dangers for anyone using boats or kayaks. "Anyone on boats or paddlecraft should use extreme caution to avoid this threat," the NWS beach hazards statement said. The warnings also urged for lifejacket use, awareness of wind and tide, and labeling vessels with owner information in case of an emergency. What People Are Saying NWS warning coordination meteorologist Donny Dumont told Newsweek: "We've had a lot of drownings in the last couple weeks. Cold water can be a major factor in your ability to save yourself." NWS Gray, Maine, in a beach hazards statement: "The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. When the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks." What Happens Next? The issued beach hazard statements were set to remain in effect through Friday evening. Future advisories will depend on water and air temperature trends, as well as anticipated public activity.

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