Don’t Get Shocked By Cold Water
Early fishing is getting started in places, and it is hard to resist pulling in those hungry post-ice fish. But the semiwarm days can turn dangerous quickly. Wet shores from melting snow can be slick and lead to hazardous situations around cold waters. Boating instead of fishing from shore? Changes in water flow can lead to new water hazards. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause severe effects on your body and your ability to respond.
While submersion in water that is below normal body temperature (98.6°) will cool the body quickly, water temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit are likely to cause shock and lead to hypothermia. Stages of cold-water shock: If you are not wearing your lifejacket, you could drown at any of these stages: Cold shock: 0-5 minutes Gasping for breath Hyperventilation Panic Fainting Increased heart rate Muscle failure: 5-30 minutes Loss of muscle grip strength Difficulty swimming due to cooled arms and legs Hypothermia: after 30 minutes Body temperature below 95°F Your body losses heat faster than it can produce it Loss of consciousness Rescue danger: just before, during or after rescue Long-term and short-term effects of hypothermia Fainting or cardiac arrest Prevent any further heat loss If you do fall into the water, here are some tips to help save your life: Wear a lifejacket: it will keep your head above water.
Get out of the water quickly: into/on top of your boat or on shore if it is easy and quickly available.
Heat Escape Lessoning: Position (HELP): bring limbs in close holding knees to chest with your arms. Huddle together in a group.
