Cold Water Safety the Cold Facts

Over the  last several years I have been spending more and more time out on the lakes and Rivers. It’s magical with the snow-melt and spring in the air. However spending time on or near cold water has inherent dangers that you should be aware of.

Sudden drowning from Cold Water Shock is a very real and life threatening. you need be aware, that cold water can kill in less than a minute.

To better understand remember the Phrase “1-10-1” these numbers will be our reference to the three critical phases of cold water immersion

1. – Cold Shock. 1st minute. If you have ever experienced this it’s pretty scary, because you have no control over, you’re the sudden initial breath, gasp and hyperventilation that can be up to a 1000% more than your normal rate of breathing. Before you know it your breathing in water. You must remain calm “DO NOT PANIC” and keep your airway clear. If you don’t you could drown. Take control of your breathing, the cold shock will pass quickly. Its critical that during this time you stay afloat and control your breathing. It should be obvious this why wearing a life jacket is a MUST it will keep you buoyant and allow you to breath. Giving you the opportunity to get out or help.

10. – Cold Incapacitation. If exposure continues over the next 10 minutes you will lose effective function of your arms, legs, fingers and toes. Stay calm focused on self-rescue, if not an option, keep your airway clear and focused on breathing and WAIT for rescue. If you understand the aspects of hypothermia, techniques of how to delay it, self rescue and calling for help, your chances of survival and rescue will be dramatically increased. If you do not have a life vest on, under this scenario you most likely will drown.

1. –  Hypothermia. Becoming unconscious from hypothermia could take up to 1 hour or less, it’s important to understand how to self-rescue and delay hypothermia. Doing so will dramatically increase  your chance of survival.

Most people who die from cold shock in the first minute are mainly due to not wearing a life vest. Your swimming ability has nothing to do with it.

A few simple tips to stay safe in and around cold water include.

• Never swim alone.
• Tell a friend or file a “float plan” before boating, swimming or paddling.
• Check the weather for wind conditions Weather.Com before going out.
• Know your swimming limitations and always wear a life jacket .
•  Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Prepare for cold water swim IE: wet / dry suit, acclimate to conditions
• Huddle up if you are with others and make body contact if it’s an option.
• Never jump into cold water and always prepare for accidental immersion.
•  Assume the HELP / Huddle position – Heat Escape Lessening Position.

Floating in the H.E.L.P. (Heat Escape Lessening Position) will significantly increase survival time. Be sure you know how and practice this position. You want to keep as much body heat as possible from escaping. If you are alone, cross your arms tightly against the chest and bring your knees up close to the chest. If there are 3 or more people, huddling in a group is the best option. When you are rescued, be sure to replace wet clothing with dry and remain in a warm setting until you are confident that your core body temperature is back to normal.