A float coat is specifically designed not only to provide flotation but also thermal protection. An ice rescue suit provides even more thermal protection as one would expect. I took my Ice Rescue Instructor class in Georgetown, Colorado a couple of years ago in the month of February and despite the wind and sub-freezing temperatures, I was quite warm in my Mustang Ice Rescue Commander suit for the 8 hours plus we were out on the ice. In one of the scenarios, I was in the water for 30 minutes before I even began to feel the cold and could have easily lasted for another 1 hour plus.

Pete