LOS ANGELES - As cooler temperatures set in across the state, the Coast Guard is focusing on reminding boaters and the public about the dangers of cold water drowning.
Cold water is defined as any water temperature under 70 degrees, which causes a lot of misconceptions because it doesn’t sound very cold. When you are immersed suddenly it can take your breath away. These cool and cold-water temperatures are enough to drop your body's core temperature significantly. Current water temperatures across the Los Angeles-area are around 66 degrees.
"Cold water is a very unforgiving environment," said Rear Adm. Joseph Servidio, the Commander of the Coast Guard’s 11th District. "In the case of cold water drowning, a life jacket buys you time to rescue yourself or be rescued by others."
Without a life jacket the chances of survival drops with each passing minute in cold water. Scientist describe the challenge of surviving in cold water with a principle called 1-10-1.
The 1-10-1 principle is an easy way to remember that upon suddenly entering cold water, you have one minute to steady your breathing and get your heart rate under control. After 10 minutes in cold water, your body losses the ability to move which means you may not have the ability to swim to shore, back to your boat, or sometimes even tread water. The last one stands for one hour before you could lose consciousness due to exhaustion and the cumulative effects of cold water.
Some victims die of cold water drowning even before they start suffering from hypothermia, as that can take quite some time to set in. Water safety experts say swim failure and cold water drowning can claim lives of people within seconds or minutes of being in the water.
"Everyone who enters cold water doesn't drown, but research shows that many drowning incidents may be the result of cold shock response and cold incapacitation," said Paul Newman, a Coast Guard recreational boating safety specialist.
"In cold water drowning situations, if you survive the first minute, the cold will soon rob your muscles of their strength and dexterity. Even strong swimmers can experience swim failure after a few minutes. When this happens, without a life jacket, you can quickly drown,” said Newman.
Never swimming alone is a key safety tip. Everyone working or recreating around cold water needs to know that swim failure and cold water drowning can happen, be prepared to save themselves or help others in trouble and not be lulled into complacency when the weather is sunny or warm.
The Coast Guard reminds boaters and beachgoers to always use caution around the water, watch out for one another, and call the Coast Guard or 911 at the first sign of trouble or distress.
Cold water drowning and water safety information:
http://www.watersafetycongress.org/eduprograms.shtml