Survival

Cold Water Survival Survival What is Hypothermia?
It's a numbing coldness that attacks the core heat of your body. When it happens, your insides become so cold that your body's normal functions slow down. If nothing is done,they will stop!

Here are five ways to "PREPARE"

The most important step - wear a Canadian Coast Guard(CCG) or Department of Transport(DOT) approved Personal Flotation Device(PF). The suggested style is a Floater Jacket. In addition to assisting you to keep your head above water, it has beaver tail that can trap water within insulating foam and creates a barrier to the cold. This jacket usually has a hood stored in its collar. A vest type PFD or a normal flotation jacket also provides some protection from the cold. Wearing a PFD with a whistle attached is your most important survival decision. Wearing a hat is another important tip. Your head can become a critical place of heat loss unless it is kept out of the water.
Check with your local weather office several hours before you head out. Be aware of the weather while on the water. Be alert to any change that could influence your safety. If in doubt _ HEAD BACK.
Know the temperature of the water and maintain a respect for its power. A person wearing a OFD and light clothing, dumped into 10C(50F) water, normally cannot survive past three hours.
Know your craft and how to handle it in both calm and rough conditions. Do not overload. Be sure everyone understands the importance of keeping weight low and evenly distributed.
Avoid the use of alcohol. It cannot warm your inner core and will definitely interfere with your ability to make critical judgements.
�� If you do become wet, here are the most important actions you can do:
1. Get as much of your body out of, or above the water as possible(especially your head and neck). Climb onto the boat, if you can. Cold water saps your body's core heat much faster than air.
2. Avoid panic, remain calm.
3. If you can't get out of the water or onto the boat, protect your core heat by using one of the two Heat Escape Lessening Positions - H.E.L.P. To do this you must be wearing a PFD.
4. If you are in the water with others, you should "HUDDLE". Everyone must be wearing a PFD.��
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