US Army Corps of Engineers
Tulsa District

Hunters, fishermen and boaters – be cautious of cold water

Tulsa District Operations Division
Published Oct. 21, 2014
Hunters, fishermen and boaters should use caution when on or around cold water. The fact is that drowning is a leading cause of death among outdoorsmen and unexpectedly finding yourself in cold water can bring on hypothermia much faster than one might think.  Wearing a lifejacket when around a lake or stream and knowing what to if you find yourself unexpectedly wet can significantly increase your chances of survival.

Hunters, fishermen and boaters should use caution when on or around cold water. The fact is that drowning is a leading cause of death among outdoorsmen and unexpectedly finding yourself in cold water can bring on hypothermia much faster than one might think. Wearing a lifejacket when around a lake or stream and knowing what to if you find yourself unexpectedly wet can significantly increase your chances of survival.

TULSA, Okla. — Autumn is a time when many hunters and anglers take to the woods or lake for a day of hunting or fishing. Very few consider that they may not return from their outing because of drowning or succumbing to hypothermia. The fact is that drowning is a leading cause of death among outdoorsmen and unexpectedly finding yourself in cold water can bring on hypothermia.  Wearing a lifejacket when around a lake or stream and knowing what to do if you find yourself unexpectedly wet can significantly increase your chances of survival.

The water does not have to be extremely cold to create problems or possibly death if you enter the water; it just has to be cooler than your body temperature. That’s why the most effective precaution against drowning is to wear a life jacket. Additionally, everyone should make an effort to become familiar with techniques to survive in cold water. The best way to reduce cold-water immersion while boating is to prevent falling overboard or capsizing. Do not overload the boat and avoid heavy wave conditions.  Accidents can happen quickly, so always ensure that everyone, including you, is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Also, remember that it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to put a life jacket on after falling in the water. 

People mistakenly think that if they can swim, they don’t need to wear a life jacket. When the water is cold, sudden immersion can cause shock, involuntary gasping, and deep hyperventilation, followed by cold incapacitation. In a short amount time, as the muscles and nerves in the limbs get cold, a person will lose the ability to self-rescue or even swim. People have died because of the initial effects of cold-water immersion and they were within swimming distance of safety.

It is important for you to know that your body will lose heat 25 times faster in water than in air of the same temperature and that factor can be increased substantially with movements like swimming, if you are not wearing thermal protection. The best choice in floatation equipment while around cold water is a float coat and pants or a one-piece survival suit.

In addition to wearing a flotation device, there are ways to delay the onset of hypothermia. Using the Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P.) will conserve body heat. If you are alone, draw your legs up close to your chest and wrap your arms around them in a tuck position to conserve body heat. If you are in a group, huddle together as close as possible to conserve body heat.

Here are three things you should be aware of if you find yourself in cold water:

1)    You must keep your airway clear or run the risk of drowning. The gasp reflex caused by cold shock will pass in about one minute. During that time don’t panic; focus on getting your breathing under control. Wearing a life jacket during this phase is critical to keep you afloat so you can concentrate on getting your breathing under control.

2)    Focus on self-rescue. If that is not possible then be aware that you will likely become incapacitated and unable to swim. Wearing a life jacket will allow you to keep your head above water and your airway clear while waiting for rescue.

3)    Delay hypothermia. Even in very cold water without proper thermal protection, it could take approximately one hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia. If you understand the signs of hypothermia and the techniques to delay it, including self-rescue, your chances of survival can dramatically increase.

The table below shows an average of expected survival times, assuming a victim doesn’t succumb to other forces in the meantime.

Survival Times in Cold Water Without Protective Clothing

Water Temperature

Loss of Dexterity

Exhaustion or

Expected Time of

Degrees F

Degrees C

with no protective clothing

Unconsciousness

Survival

32.5

3

Under 2 min.

Under 15 min.

Under 15 to 45 min.

32.5 - 40

0.3 to 4.5

Under 3 min.

15 to 30 min.

30 to 90 min.

40 - 50

4.5 to 10

Under 5 min.

30 to 60 min.

1 to 3 hrs.

50 - 60

10 to 15.5

10 to 15 min.

1 to 2 hrs.

1 to 6 hrs.

60 - 70

15.5 to 21

30 to 40 min.

2 to 7 hrs.

2 to 40 hrs.

70 - 80

21 to 26.5

1 to 2 hrs.

2 to 12 hrs.

3 hrs. to indefinite

 

Cold water is a potential threat to every outdoorsman, but being prepared can make a big difference. Take a boating course to learn boating safety rules; practice survival techniques, like the H.E.L.P. position in warm water; always wear your lifejacket when boating; consider potential hazards, have a plan and be sure others with you know the plan, then, go out and have a fun and safe day.

For more information and to see what really happens during cold water immersion visit the website www.coldwaterbootcamp.com.