Cold Water Immersion

Cold water immersion happens when someone falls into water that is colder than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can occur even on days that are calm and sunny and can be quite risky. It often happens because of capsizing, swamping, or someone accidentally falling overboard. One of the best ways to prevent this is by wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when you’re on an open boat or walking around on the deck of a boat.

Phases of Cold Water Immersion

1. Cold Shock Response (First 1-3 Minutes)
   • The body initially reacts with involuntary gasping, which may lead to inhaling water.
   • Rapid breathing or hyperventilation occurs.
   • There are sudden changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Swim Failure (First 10-30 Minutes)
   • Muscles and nerves in the arms and legs cool down, reducing functionality.
   • Difficulty performing essential tasks, such as operating safety equipment or reboarding the boat.
3. Hypothermia (After at least 30 Minutes)
   • As the core body temperature falls, confusion and lethargy occur.
   • There is a risk of losing consciousness due to the severe drop in body temperature.
4. Post-Rescue Collapse
   1. Post-rescue collapse can occur when a person rescued from cold water experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure due to the emotional release of being saved, potentially leading to unconsciousness or cardiac arrest.
   2. Handle cold water rescue victims gently to prevent further injury and seek immediate professional medical attention. Avoid telling the victim to relax; instead, encourage them to keep fighting for their survival until they are safe and stable.

What to Remember About Cold Water Immersion:

• Wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when boating is important because it helps you float without using much energy and can also help keep you from losing too much heat.

• Stay positive and confident. Practice how to handle emergencies in a safe place before you need those skills. If you ever get into an emergency, do not give up.

• After someone is rescued from such a situation, get them medical help from professionals immediately.