Death in cold water - No Lifejackets

by BW Media on 30 Nov 2008 The recent US Coast Guard report on boating fatalities where life jackets were not worn reveals some disturbing facts on cold water survival. Since the Labor Day holiday (1 September) in the US, the Coast Guard reports that there have been 18 boating fatalities. Not one was wearing a life jacket, and the Coast Guard is pleading for sailors and boaters to heed their warning.

'Even for the most experienced mariner, a fall into cold water is painfully shocking,' said Al Johnson, the recreational boating specialist for the First Coast Guard District based in Boston.

'On sudden cold-water immersion there will be shock, panic, gasping, hyperventilation and an immediate rise in breath and heart rates and blood pressure and an inability to hold your breath.,' said Johnson. 'Without a life jacket, it is extremely difficult to maintain floatation or swim.'

The Coast Guard is issuing a safety advisory to all late season boaters, paddlers, and fisherman on the dangers of sudden cold-water immersion.

'The important thing to remember is this can happen to anyone and, if it does, simply wearing your life jacket could save your life,' said Johnson. 'Plain and simple, when you need your life jacket, you need it on.'

Note: The wearing of a full 'steamer' type Wetsuit or a Drysuit is a normal standard safety requirement, as well as - not instead of - a life jacket for all dinghy and small keelboat racing in winter events in the UK.

Expected Survival Time in Cold Water:

Water Temperature - 70–80° F (21–27° C)
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in - 3–12 hours
Expected Survival Time - 3 hours – indefinitely

Water Temperature - 60–70° F (16–21° C)
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in - 2–7 hours
Expected Survival Time - 2–40 hours

Water Temperature - 50–60° F (10–16° C)
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in - 1–2 hours
Expected Survival Time - 1–6 hours

Water Temperature - 40–50° F (4–10° C)
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in - 30–60 minutes
Expected Survival Time - 1–3 hours

Water Temperature - 32.5–40° F (0–4° C)
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in - 15–30 minutes
Expected Survival Time - 30–90 minutes

Water Temperature - 32° F (<0° C)
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in - Under 15 minutes
Expected Survival Time - Under 15–45 minutes


The US Coast Guard has issued a safety advisory to all late season boaters, paddlers, and fisherman on the dangers of sudden cold-water immersion. Go to the Sail-World.com Cruising website to read the full Article -

http://www.sail-world.com/Cruising/18-Dead-in-Winter-Waters---No-Lifejackets/51323