Responding to cold water immersion or wind chill

"Hypothermia" is a drop in body temperature below the normal level that most frequently develops from exposure to abnormally low temperatures such as:

1. immersion in cold water,
2. exposure to cool air in water-soaked clothing, or
3. prolonged exposure to low environmental temperatures.
* Approximately 90 per cent of all persons who drown in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a floatation device—An Amazing 'Stat.!!!
* A personal floatation device (PFD) is the best insurance you can have. WEAR IT!
* Boaters, in Canada’s typically cold waters, should be aware of the risk of Hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold weather, particularly in water-soaked clothing, or from direct immersion.

The following signs and symptoms represent the impact on the mental and muscle functions of the persons exposed to hypothermia as it progresses:

1. shivering and slurred speech, conscious but withdrawn at the early stage;
2. slow and weak pulse, slow respiration, lacks coordination, irrational, confused and sleepy at intermediate stage;
3. weak, irregular or absent pulse or respiration, loss of consciousness at final stage.

The following are actions to take in the presence of a person found to be suffering from hypothermia:

1. remove the person from the source of cold exposure;
2. provide dry shelter;
3. if possible, prevent further decrease in body temperature and warm the person’s body gradually by:
* replacing wet clothing with dry clothing,
* wrapping the person in blankets
* placing dry coverings over the person,
* covering the person's head and neck,
* covering the person with an insulating device and vapour barrier,
* applying warm dry objects (40 to 45ºC);
4. if asked for, offer warm liquids but do not give alcohol or hot stimulants to the person;
5. do not rub or massage the surface of the person’s body or extremities; and
6. use or exhibit signals to indicate distress and need of assistance if necessary.

While wearing personal flotation devices or lifejackets, some positions can help persons to survive longer when immersed in cold water;

1. Heat Escape Lessening Positionif alone, adopt an "heat escape lessening position" (H.E.L.P.) by crossing arms tightly against the chest and by drawing the knees up close to the chest;
2. Climbing on Floating Objectif alone, climb onto a nearby floating object to get as much of the body out of or above the water; or
3. Group Huddleif in a group, "huddle" with other persons by getting the sides of everyone's chest close together with arms around mid to lower back and legs intertwined.

The following may provide additional protection to a person's body from hypothermia:

1. dry suit – to be used in conjunction with a flotation device and a thermal liner
2. wet suit – traps and heats water against your body
3. immersion suit – to be used in extreme conditions after abandoning vessel (usually for off shore use)
4. survival suit – a full nose-to-toes PFD
5. exposure coverall – a PFD with a thermal protection rating
6. multiple light layers of dry clothing, or
7. water or wind proof outer layer

The Effect of Pleasure Craft Motion, Sunlight , Waves, Wind and Sound on Operator and Persons on Boat

It is important to know that the motion of a pleasure craft, the sunlight, waves, wind, sound and alcohol;

Can reduce person's ability to operate a pleasure craft and negatively affect persons on board in terms of: their balance, coordination, reflexes, judgement, response time, eyesight and hearing.

* Operating a vessel anywhere in Canada while impaired, is an offence under the Criminal Code. Convictions, even for a first offence, can result in heavy penalties; a fine ranging from $300.00 to $2,000.00; a three month to three year prohibition from using a boat, and/or a jail sentence of up to six (6) months.
* Besides the legal consequences, mixing alcohol and boating is far more dangerous than most people realize. Fatigue, sun, wind and the motion of the boat dull the senses. Alcohol intensifies these effects, leaving you with reduced reaction time, poorer fine motor skills and impaired judgement.
* We know that at least 40 percent of all power boating fatality victims had a blood alcohol level above the legal driving limit. "Don’t Cruise with Booze". It’s YOUR responsibility!

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