The sun might be shining, but Maine’s waters are still dangerously cold

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 21, 2026

Spring might have finally arrived in Maine, but inland and coastal waters are still dangerously frigid. On a single day in May, the state saw two paddling deaths, one a sea kayaker near Deer Isle and the other a paddleboarder on Graham Lake in Ellsworth. Lindsey Chasteen, a spokesperson for the state medical examiner’s office, said cold water could have been a factor. Officials said they believe neither person was wearing a life jacket. State officials and people who work in outdoor recreation said a warm day can give paddlers and swimmers a false sense of security. Michael Daugherty, a registered Maine guide, described “the 1-10-1 rule.” A capsized paddler has one minute to get control of their breathing, 10 minutes before losing the ability to perform basic functions such as a self rescue and one hour in the water before losing consciousness because of hypothermia. His own interpretation is even more stark. “You either get out of the water immediately,” he said. “Or your chances are grim.”