One reason Washington has a higher boating fatality rate than other states around the nation is due to water temperature. Did you know "cold water" is defined as water less than 70 degrees fahrenhiet? Most water wthin this state rarely rises above this.
Your chance of surviving cold water immersion depends on having sufficient flotation to keep your head above water, controlling your breathing, having timely rescue by yourself or others, and retaining body heat. Water conducts heat from your body 25 times faster than air. Moving water 40 times faster than still water!
Three Simple Steps Can Save Lives
- Prepare by always wearing a secured life jacket.
- Wear layered clothing for insulation.
- Equip your boat with a means for re-entry (ladder, sling, etc.) to use if you should fall into the water.
Practice reboarding procedures on your own vessel so that you know you can reboard quickly should you fall in.
You can learn how to survive a cold water immersion and the various stages the body goes through when plunged into cold water by watching the following videos. Be prepared by understanding the dangers of our northwest waters. It can occur anytime during the year, and it may save your life!
Here is a link to a news story about the dangers of cold water in the Pacific Northwest from KATU, Portland, OR.
Have a cold water experience of your own to share? Please post a comment.
