What You Need to Know Before You Dive In
Summer is the perfect time to head to the beach, lake, or river to cool off. While the weather is warm, the water can be deceivingly cold. Large bodies of water often stay much colder than the surrounding air, even on the hottest days. Understanding the risks of cold water can help you stay safe while enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Many people underestimate how quickly cold water can affect the body. Unexpectedly falling into the water triggers the cold shock response, an involuntary reaction that often causes a sudden gasp for air. If your head is underwater when this happens, you may inhale water, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.
Even if you stay above the surface, cold water can quickly begin lowering your body temperature. Prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia, which can occur even during the summer months when the air temperature feels comfortable.
How to Stay Safe Around Cold Water
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when participating in water activities. A life jacket or a personal floatation device can help keep your head above water if you unexpectedly fall in, giving you valuable time to recover from the initial cold shock response.
It's also a good idea to bring extra towels and warm, dry clothing. If someone does end up in cold water, getting them out of wet clothing and warming them as soon as possible can help reduce the risk of hypothermia.
Before heading out, check the local weather and water conditions, and never underestimate the strength of currents or the effects of changing conditions in rivers and lakes.
What to Do in an Emergency
If someone falls into cold water, your priority is to get help. Call 911 immediately if the person is unresponsive, struggling to stay afloat, or showing signs of hypothermia.
If it's safe to do so, help the person out of the water without putting yourself at risk. Once they're out, remove any wet clothing, if possible, dry them off, and wrap them in towels or blankets.
Continue to monitor the person's condition until emergency responders arrive.
Be Prepared Before You Head Out
A day on the water should be memorable for the right reasons. Wearing a life jacket, understanding the dangers of cold water, and knowing how to respond in an emergency can help protect you, your family, and your friends.
One of the best ways to prepare is by learning first aid. Register for a St. John Ambulance First Aid course and gain the practical skills and confidence to respond in an emergency. Knowing how to recognize and respond to cold water emergencies, hypothermia, and drowning can give you the confidence to act quickly when every second counts.
Never let warm weather fool you into thinking the water is warm, too. A life jacket, a little preparation, and the right first aid knowledge can make all the difference.