Flotation Devices Keep Hunters Warm

Waterfowlers using boats to get across icy waters face a risk most hunters never worry about - the possibility of drowning.

Nationwide, so-called drownings kill far more hunters than gunshots. However, the word “drowning” often is misused to describe death by hypothermia, a rapid cooling of the body temperature.

To protect against hypothermia, several companies have developed personal flotation devices designed to insulate as well as keep people afloat.

Keeping the vital parts warm is important. Even heavy wool clothing will do the job if the victim doesn’t panic and squeeze out the insulating air trapped inside.

But flotation is necessary: All the wool in the world won’t do you any good if you sink.