Hidden Beach Threat Sparks Warning for Thousands
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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.
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