Early Season Boating Takes Caution
Hypothermia is only one of the problems a fall in cold water can bring. And the others are more immediate and just as dangerous. Research has shown that few people who fall into cold water actually live long enough to suffer hypothermia. They die long before it sets in.
Here’s what happens. The initial cold shock causes an immediate and involuntary gasp. If you’re under water at the time you can breathe in a liter of water… and drown. If your head is still above water, you will breath uncontrollably and likely panic. The gasping lasts about one minute. During the next ten minutes Cold Incapacitation sets in as your body shuts off circulation to the extremities in an attempt to preserve the core temperature. You will soon find it hard to move, to swim or climb up on the boat. Finally, hypothermia sets in but it will be most of an hour before you lose consciousness but even unconscious you will stay alive for much longer.
Is there any better reason to wear your PFD when you’re boating in the early part of the season? Yes the odds are with you. You probably won’t fall in but if you do, give yourself the best chance of survival that you can. Don’t just take it. Wear it!
Safe Boating Awareness Week is May 16 to 22… the week before the unofficial start of summer… the 2-4 weekend… but safe boating awareness lasts all year.