Know it’s cold
Preparing for the risks of cold water on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers
Our water is cold
Brrrrrr…..It’s cold in there
Snow fed rivers
Creative Commons by Flickr user uyen.tran http://flickr.com/photos/dopeshit/339228636/sizes/l/
Our water is cold
• Less than 60°F most of the year
• Less than 50°F 4-6 months
…make for cold rivers
Our water is cold
Whoops…and there are so many ways to go in
Our water is cold
Your vesselcan sink
Our water is cold
Your vesselcan capsize
Our water is cold
Your can fall overboard
Our water is cold
Your can be ejected at speed
Our water is cold
Or you can simply misstep
Our water is cold
Once you are in…things can go downhill very quickly
Gasp reflex
Cold water causes a gasp on contact which often results in inhalation of water
A little bit of inhaled water will set you to coughing which usually leads to more inhaled water…
…and you can drown with only 5 ounces of water in your lungs
Cold shock
In seconds to minutes you will begin to experience shock with very rapid breathing while your heart rate and blood pressure will increase.
Cold shock
These factors reduce your physical and mental abilities making it very difficult to rescue yourself
Swim failure
After as little as 3 minutes there is a loss of coordination in your limbs and you loose the ability to hold your breath
Swim failure
You will be unable to maintain a body position that allows swimming
Hypothermia
25X
1X
Water is 25 times more effective than air at thermal transfer so your body cools very rapidly
Hypothermia
At some point your body is no longer able to regulate your core temperature which, untreated will result in death
Post rescue collapse
Even after rescue the effects of hypothermia can cause death, seek medical attention after any prolonged cold water exposure
Our water is cold
PreventionWhat to do to protect yourself
Know the risks
Understand the effects of cold water and how you may end up in it
Boat smart
• Take a class• Choose an appropriate vessel for the conditions• Operate safely• Know your waterways• Be able to communicate (VHF, PEPIRB)• Know the weather• Stay aware• Don’t boat alone• …and
LifeJacket
ALWAYSwearyour
Prepare for the cold
Our water is cold
Dry suit
What is he wearing?
Our water is coldBecause we have learned the hard way that hypothermia protection
save lives
Why?
Our water is coldWhen: Coast Guard requirements for USCG boat operations
Rescue and Survival Systems Manual COMDTINST M10470.10E
Our water is cold Water temperature
under 60°F
Water & air temperature under 50°F
Anti-exposure coverall
Dry suit
Be prepared
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