OPP warns of cold water dangers

The OPP is urging boaters and paddlers to be aware of the reality of cold-water dangers.

Immersion in cold water causes a powerful gasping reflex, stated a news release. If the person is underwater, water inhalation may result in drowning.

Hypothermia develops more slowly than the immediate effects of cold-water shock. Water removes heat from the body 25 times faster than cold air.  About 50 per cent of the heat loss occurs through the head and neck.  An adult dressed in average clothing may remain conscious for 30 to 60 minutes at a water temperature of 4 to 10 C and about one to two hours at 10 to15 C.  

However, any movement greatly increases heat loss and shortens survival time. Hands become numb and useless in minutes, making swimming nearly impossible. The victim is therefore helpless, though still conscious. When unconsciousness sets in, drowning occurs.

According to the news release, in 2007, 28 people died while on OPP waterways. Twenty-two were not wearing a life-jacket. Of the 28 deaths, six occurred on northeast region waterways and nine were alcohol related.

“Stowing your personal flotation device under the seat of your boat won’t do you a whole lot of good when you lose your balance and fall overboard,” said Sudbury Manitoulin OPP Traffic Sergeant Yves Forget in the news release.  “Increase your chance of survival and reduce your drowning risk by wearing an approved life-jacket and expect the unexpected.”