Hypothermia


Boat Safe this Spring - Avoid Hypothermia

Spring is almost here and many boaters are heading to the lakes, rivers and other bodies of water for the sport of recreational boating. Even though the weather is warm, do not forget that in many areas the water is still very, very cold. A sudden unexpected wake or other "unbalancing event" can land you in the frigid water. Although the possibility of drowning from falling into the water is a real threat, so too is hypothermia.

Hypothermia is a condition that exists when the body’s temperature drops below 95 F. This can be caused by exposure to water or air. The loss of body heat results in loss of dexterity, loss of consciousness, and eventually loss of life. A few minutes in cold water makes it very difficult to swim, even to keep yourself afloat. In addition, a sudden, unexpected entry into cold water may cause a reflexive "gasp" allowing water to enter the lungs. Drowning can be almost instantaneous.

Your body can cool down 25 times faster in cold water than in air. If you examine the chart below you will see that survival time can be as short as 15 minutes. Water temperature, body size, amount of body fat, and movement in the water all play a part in cold water survival. Small people cool faster than large people and children cool faster than adults.

PFDs can help you stay alive longer in cold water. You can float without using energy and they cover part of your body thereby providing some protection from the cold water. When boating in cold water you should consider using a flotation coat or deck-suit style PFD. They cover more of your body and provide even more protection.

Hypothermia does not only occur in extremely cold water. It can and does occur even in the warmer waters of Florida and the Bahamas.

Hypothermia Chart

If the Water
Temp. (F) is:

Exhaustion or
Unconsciousness

Expected Time
of Survival is:
32.5

Under 15 min.

The copyright of the article Hypothermia in Boating - Power & Sail is owned by Capt. Matt. Permission to republish Hypothermia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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