Boating Emergencies
Why is cold-water immersion so dangerous even for good swimmers?
Answer
Cold shock causes gasping and loss of muscle control, and hypothermia sets in; a life jacket keeps you afloat while it happens
Sudden immersion in cold water triggers an involuntary gasp and rapid loss of strength and coordination within minutes, long before hypothermia. Wearing a life jacket keeps you afloat through the cold-shock and swim-failure stages.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service — Cold Water Safety — https://www.weather.gov/safety/coldwater
Not the answer
- It only affects children
- Cold water is harmless
- It makes you swim faster
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