| OSMB News |
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| Warm Temperatures, Cold Water -Be Prepared |
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For Immediate Release -3/18/10
With a weather forecast indicating temperatures in the 70’s people will be eager to head outdoors for fun and relaxation. The Oregon State Marine Board wants to remind people who take to the waterways, that the water is still extremely cold and swift and to take the necessary precautions to make your time on the water the most enjoyable.
“What most people think of when they hear ‘cold water’ is hypothermia, but it’s really not the cause of fatalities in Oregon’s waters. It’s drowning, and it happens quickly as a result of cold water immersion,” says Ashley Massey, Public Information Officer for the Marine Board. “It doesn’t matter how good a swimmer a person may be, because if you suddenly and unexpectedly end up in the waters, you will immediately suffer the effects of cold water immersion, also known as cold water shock."
Unlike hypothermia, the effects of cold water immersion can lead to death in just a few minutes and in some cases, almost instantly. Sudden entry into cold water can lead to cardiac arrest, even for people considered to be in good health. Shock from cold water also causes an involuntary “gasp” reflex, and if a person’s head is not above the water, can cause them to breathe in water and drown.
True hypothermia doesn’t generally set in until 20-30 minutes after being submerged, depending on a person’s body type, insulation from clothing and other factors.
The best way to protect yourself is to wear a life jacket and know what to do if you suddenly find yourself in the water. “It’s important to stay with the boat and try to pull yourself out of the water as much as possible,” Massey adds. “It’s easier for rescue personnel to spot you. Also, water takes heat away from the body seven times faster than air. A person will actually stay warmer, longer if they are out of the water.” Wearing a life jacket will help keep a person’s head above water, minimize the loss of body heat and muscular coordination, and assist a person into climbing back into their boat from the added flotation. Life jackets also make the person more visible to rescuers.”
Experts from the U.S. Coast Guard, District 13 also say that there are other things you can do to increase your chances of survival if you do end up in the water unexpectedly. First, don’t panic and concentrate on breathing. Once you’ve caught your breath, get yourself out of the water as much as possible, as quickly as you can.
For more information about boating safety, visit www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/safety/safety.shtml or www.d13publicaffairs.com/go/doc/21/473415.
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