Hypothermia and Cold Water Survival
Cold water can lower the body’s temperature when the water is less than 70 degrees. When this occurs it is called hypothermia. A person can pass out and drown if the body temperature becomes too low. Even if a person is using a life jacket, the body can cool 25 times faster in the cold water than it can in air. Read this article to learn basic information about hypothermia and tips about cold water survival.
Smaller build people cool faster than larger build people. Children cool at a much faster rate than adults do. The use of a life jacket can help you stay alive longer in cold water. Life jackets allow a person to float without using up their energy sources. Life jackets also provide protection to parts of the body from the cold water. Make sure the life jacket is snug-fitting. Use a flotation coat or deck-suit style life jacket when you boat in cold water. These cover a greater area of the body and protect you better than the life jacket vests.
How Hypothermia Affects An Adult:
Water Temperature: 32.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Time it takes for exhaustion/unconsciousness to occur: Under 15 minutes. Expected Time of Survival: Under 15 to 45 minutes.
Water Temperature: 32.5 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Time it takes for exhaustion/unconsciousness to occur: 15 to 30 minutes. Expected Time of Survival: 30 to 90 minutes.
Water Temperature: 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Time it takes for exhaustion/unconsciousness to occur: 30 to 60 minutes. Expected Time of Survival: 1 to 3 hours.
Water Temperature: 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Time it takes for exhaustion/unconsciousness to occur: 1 to 2 hours. Expected Time of Survival: 1 to 6 hours.
Water Temperature: 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Time it takes for exhaustion/unconsciousness to occur: 2 to 7 hours. Expected Time of Survival: 2 to 40 hours.
Water Temperature: 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Time it takes for exhaustion/unconsciousness to occur: 2 to 12 hours. Expected Time of Survival: 2 to 12 hours. Expected Time of Survival: 3 hours to indefinite.
Water Temperature: Over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Time it takes for exhaustion/unconsciousness to occur: Indefinite. Expected Time of Survival: Indefinite.
TIPS: Do not swim when you are in cold water unless you can get to a nearby boat or floating object. Pull yourself up onto a nearby large floating object. Refrain from doing drown proofing methods that require your face to be put in the water. To lessen heat loss and increase survival time be sure to keep your head above water.
By using the “HELP” position, you will lessen the chance for heat loss. If you are using a Type lll PFD or if the “HELP” position causes your face to turn down in the water, bring your legs tightly together and your arms tight to your sides with your head back. This will help you to keep your face out of the water.
Huddle together with other survivors for warmth.
Maintain a positive outlook.
Always wear your life jacket and never remove it.
Liked it
Published in: Emergency Preparation
Post a Comment
