2025-May-24
Prepare for Cold Water
Warm air doesn’t always mean warm water
Warm air temperatures can create a false sense of security for boaters. While 20°C might not sound cold, cold water quickly removes heat from the body which can lead to the loss of muscle control and hypothermia.
Understanding the “Shock Factor”
When your body hits cold water, “cold shock” can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure and unexpected immersion can also cause an involuntary gasp of surprise. Accidents can happen and if you are not wearing your lifejacket, this gasp could be deadly!
The gasp reaction is the key premise behind the Canadian Safe Boating Council’s (CSBC) Shock Factor project. The team developed four “shock factor” experiences to simulate boating-related surprise immersions. The study of 80 participants found that even when people know they will be thrown into the water, their ventilation still spikes. This spike in ventilation is called the GASP reflex. If you inhale water while gasping, you are at high risk of drowning, regardless of your swimming ability. Wearing a lifejacket can buy you extra time for help to arrive or for you to get yourself out of danger in the event of an accidental immersion.
Prepare for the conditions
If you’re heading out on the water, be prepared for the possibility of suddenly immersion.
- Dress for the water temperature rather than the air temperature
- this can help slow the progression of hypothermia should you find yourself in the water
- Check the weather forecast and water temperature before heading out
- Leave a plan of where you are going with a responsible person who will know what to do if you are overdue
- WEAR A LIFE JACKET OR PFD!
- Your ability to survive cold water immersion depends on your ability to stay afloat and to stay warm until help arrives
With fewer people on the water earlier in the season, there are fewer people to count on in the event you need help so when you head out–be prepared for cold water!
Read more about the Shock Factor project here.