With a high level of confidence, I call "bull" on that remark about the depth within 80 feet of shore. I attribute it to the obviously high level of defensiveness adopted by the OP. What lake exists where the depth within some certain distance of shore never exceeds a defined value? You'd have to be in a region of extremely flat topography for that to be true, and that can hardly be the case in Upstate New York. Even if it were true, the idea that a person could simply walk to shore and not get cold hands is bull too, at least in terms of such a blanket statement as yours. I know for a fact that without the right mittens, my hands would be numb within about a minute of the initial dunking and probably useless soon after, and I wouldn't be able to warm them up again without putting them someplace warm. Most people's hands are not as cold-susceptible as mine, but I'm hardly the only one who's like that either. Some of the cautionary advice was provided by people who's own experience gives them credibility. I see no need to take a reactionary stance about most of what's been said.
Guessing you haven’t been hypothermic… As I found out, the time to be unable to help myself can be under 5 minutes. That was in temperatures much warmer than winter in upstate NY. I am not the only one who indicated that kind of actual experience. Your personal experience when you were younger is not necessarily going to apply for this individual, nor does it change what others have experienced.
You are also not reading the OPer’s posts well. Unless he said something in there that I missed, he has not indicated any habit or ability around an on-water re-entry. Your posit that he has an on-water option is not something I can see a basis for here.
Water depth in CNY Actually, Oneida lake, where I kayak extensively and used to scuba dive extensively easily fits the OP’s description. Smack dab in the middle of NY state. There are MANY miles of shoreline where you can walk out well over 200 YARDS and not exceed 4’ in depth. The lake is notorious for getting very rough very fast on the east end with a west wind blowing because of the bottom topography. It is approximately 23 miles long x 5 miles wide yet only has a max depth of 50’ (and that is in one hole on the whole lake) and an average depth of 6’.
"he has not indicated any habit or ability around an on-water re-entry. Your posit that he has an on-water option is not something I can see a basis for here."
When you can stand up, there's no need for any "technique", aka ability, for re-entry! Just stradle the boat and get in!!!
Besides, it doesn't really matter. If the re-entry doesn't happen, just swim or wade ashore.
That's my whole point: all the crap people throw around doesn't apply in this case!
"As I found out, the time to be unable to help myself can be under 5 minutes.
...
Your personal experience when you were younger is not necessarily going to apply for this individual"
By the same token, nor does your personal experience necessarily apply to this individual either!
The OP should try his "rescue options" himself. Simple as that.
It is a shallow lake, and considering its size it's extremely shallow, with very gradual slopes, so I'd say you are correct. However, at a glance, I'd estimate the average depth to be more like 20 feet, rather than just six. I'd like to see if the surrounding topography matches the character of the lake bottom. I suspect that "getting rough very fast" is more due to the tremendous size (very long fetch) than the bottom, since shallow water tends to restrict wave size, except at locations where the waves first enter the shallower water, but maybe there are localized areas where the bottom shape makes things rougher. Since the OP's lake is extremely deep, I'm still expecting the overall topography to be irregular, even if not steep on average, but I guess we can't know unless we learn its identity.
And that is what everyone has said The posit that the person should test out his tolerance was said above again and again. I am not sure what is gained by your saying it with an attitude that other who said it were off base because they had a basis in personal experience.
As to the re-entry, you suggested it as a first option. The OPer has only spoken of swimming.
250 feet deep Humm the lake at its deepest is 250 feet according to OP. That’s a deep lake. I did read the post above about a lake in middle of NY that is shallow along shore but this lake the OP talks about doesn’t sound anything like that kind of shallow lake. Not sure how anyone would know its only 4 feet deep along the entire paddle a person would be doing in a lake that is that deep in the middle. I sure would like to know what lake the OP refers too. He is basing his ability to get out of the water on the water ONLY being 4 feet deep. But “WHAT IF” its actually 6 feet deep if and were he goes over? Then what? I wouldnt rely upon it always being shallow. I would at least find a comfy wet suit.
That’s a good point too The lake won’t stay open, consistently anyway, where it’s shallow. There will be a “tendency” for the shallows to stay open on account of the fact that the water of various temperatures (and different densities) in the deep areas won’t simply stay “stacked like building blocks”, but will spread out over a bigger area, but surely a lot of the shallow areas will freeze-up solid.
Don’t do it If you fall into 35 degree water with no wetsuit your life expectancy will be about five minutes. I own wetsuits but I don’t paddle once the water temps drops much below 50 even if the air temps are warm unless i am in water so shallow I can walk to shore if the boat capsizes.
LOL While you were posting this… my pal and I were out paddling. Or trying to paddle. The river was open…but the cove we were in was frozen with a one inch thick layer of ice. The water was about four feet deep…
It was a lot of work to break through the 100 feet to open water. We thought of just jumping on the ice…:)!! Even with a drysuit on that seemed just unappealing…
another thing to add All this is really up to the individual. This weekend after listening to others I dressed far to warmly. Had to go to shore and Remove the dry pants and splash top and swim for a while. From now on I’ll swim first an do a self rescue before going out in a new place or in a temperature that I haven’t swum in a while.
Other things that affect my cold water response:
Eating - If I eat a giant breakfast with lots of eggs and fruits and veggies, I am warmer all morning. If I eat a granola bar or something I’m not as warm.
Amount of sleep - I’m cold when I’m tired or sleepy. I’ve notice that I feel a little colder every night at bedtime, It is like a signal to get under the covers.
Tension or stress - I feel much warmer after the first couple swims or soakings. I think it is the relief in knowing that I am dressed OK for the conditions.
As a sit on top paddler it is usually easy for me to dress for the water and splash to cool off. But with a helmet on and while trying not to slow down a group, it is harder to cool off on the move.