​​​Cold-water immersion is the cause of many boating-related fatalities. The danger increases as water temperature decreases below normal body temperature (98.6° F). For more information on boating in cold water, visit coldwaterbootcampusa.org.

Accidental immersion in cold water can quickly incapacitate and lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to confusion, loss of coordination, and even unconsciousness. To increase your chance of survival in cold water, wear a life jacket and remember the 1:10:1 principle.

 

Dos and Don’ts of Cold-Water Boating:

• Do make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket. Even experienced swimmers will experience shock within one minute in the frigid water and lose muscle control within 10 minutes.
• Do file a float plan with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment and emergency contacts. Download a free float plan template at floatplancentral.org.
• Do dress properly for the weather, always wear layers, and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Remember, dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
• Do use your navigation lights to alert other boaters of your presence in dark and/or foggy conditions. Recreational boats operating at night are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise.
• Do catch your breath. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in your lungs to drown. If you remain calm, you have a greater chance of self-rescue.
• Don’t panic if you fall into the water. Stay afloat with the help of your life jacket, regain control of your breathing and keep your head above water in vision of rescuers.
• Don’t keep heavy boots on if you’re in the water. Look for ways to increase your buoyancy. If you’re in the water with others, huddle together with everyone facing inward to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.
• Don’t apply heat to extremities like arms and legs of a rescued victim. This sudden change in temperature could cause cardiac arrest.

Stages of Cold-Water Immersion:

Here are what are known as “The Rule Of Ones” or the “1:10:1 Principle”

• Cold shock. You have one minute to adjust to the cold shock response – don’t panic. You will experience uncontrolled breathing, gasping or hypoventilation. A life jacket will keep your airway above the water during this initial uncontrolled reaction.
• Cold incapacitation/Swimming failure. Nerves and muscles get cold, so you get weaker. Thrashing only makes your muscles get colder faster. You have 10 minutes of meaningful movement to get help and get out of the water. Can drown during this phase. A life jacket will keep you afloat while you can still have some fine motor control to self-rescue, board your boat and call for help.
• Hypothermia. You have about half an hour to one hour before you become unconscious from hypothermia. Your body slowly starts to shut down. You will pass out before your heart stops pumping. You better your odds of survival by wearing a life jacket. The life jacket will keep you afloat and provide extra insulation.
• Post-rescue collapse. You “give up” and collapse after or right at the time of rescue.

Cold Water Safety Tips:

• Wear a life jacket at all times. Cold water shock can cause rapid, uncontrollable breathing and panic. A life jacket keeps you afloat, reduces movement and conserves heat, which can be life-saving in cold water.
• Dress for the water, not the air. Even on warm days, water temperatures can be dangerously low. Wear synthetic, water-resistant layers and bring extra clothing to stay warm if you get wet.
• Plan ahead and stay informed. Always check the weather and water conditions before heading out. Carry a cell phone or communication device in a waterproof pouch and consider boating with a buddy for added safety.
• Practice controlled breathing. The initial shock response can lead to hyperventilation. Take slow, deep breaths to stabilize your breathing and help prevent panic to help facilitate the coordination of body movement.

Follow the “Reach, Throw, Row, Don’t go” technique. If you or someone else is in the water and struggling to get out, remember this sequence:

1. Reach: Extend a stick, paddle or other object to pull them in.
2. Throw: Toss a flotation device or rope to keep them afloat.
3. Row: Carefully row closer to offer help from a safe distance.
4. Don’t Go: Avoid entering the water to prevent additional risk.
• Stay with the boat when possible. If your boat capsizes, staying with it is often safer than attempting to swim to shore. A boat is easier for rescuers to spot and provides a way to stay above the water.

Key Take Aways:

1. Always wear a life jacket.
2. When at all possible, always boat with a buddy.
3. File a float plan.
4. Bring additional clothing and dress appropriately for the weather/water.
5. Even the most experienced boaters have unexpected accidents. Be prepared for anything.

Optional additional equipment:

1. Full body wet suit, especially if boating in the winter.
2. SAT phone.
3. Wear an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
4. Attach a small electronic flare to your life jacket.

* Information provided by the National Safe Boating Council and Cold Safety Tips from Utah DNR, as well as the author, Donna Revelle, Boating Safety Coordinator.