Cold Water Safety: WA Officials Share Reminders Ahead Of The Heat

SEATTLE — As extreme and potentially historic heat settles across Puget Sound this weekend, state officials are sharing a few safety reminders for Washingtonians looking to cool off on the water.

The Washington State Parks Boating Program assembled a list of best practices during the heat wave, particularly for boaters and paddleboarders. Officials note, even as temperatures near triple digits, the water remains dangerously cold in many areas.

Due to snowmelt, most rivers and creeks are running in the upper 30s or low 40s, officials said, which can lead to cold-water shock and hypothermia risk. Nearly all of Washington's waterways remain under 60 degrees year-round, even in the summer.

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Four stages of cold-water immersion risks, from Washington State Parks:

STAGE 1: COLD-WATER SHOCK

Initial cold shock occurs in the first three to five minutes of accidentally falling overboard. You can experience immediate involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, vertigo and panic — all of which can result in water inhalation and death from drowning. A life jacket will help prevent water inhalation by keeping your head above the water. You may also experience sudden changes in blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythm, which can result in death.

STAGE 2: SWIM FAILURE

Short-term immersion swim failure occurs three to 30 minutes following a fall overboard into cold water. The muscles and nerves in the arms and legs cool quickly. Manual dexterity, handgrip strength and speed of movement can drop by 60% to 80%. Even strong swimmers can lose the strength necessary to pull themselves out of the water or even keep their head above water. A life jacket will help keep you afloat when your body loses it's strength. A life jacket can help keep your core warm and keep you afloat if you loss consciousness.

STAGE 3: HYPOTHERMIA

Long-term immersion hypothermia may set in after 30 minutes, depending on water temperature, clothing, body type and behavior in the water. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it produces, cooling vital organs. Cold water robs the body of heat 25 times faster than cold air. Hypothermia can eventually lead to loss of consciousness and death, with or without drowning.

STAGE 4: CIRCUM-RESCUE COLLAPSE

Post-immersion circum-rescue collapse occurs during or after rescue. Once rescued, people are still in danger of cardiac arrest. In addition, inhaled water can damage lungs, and heart problems can develop as cold blood from arms and legs is released into the body’s core.

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Last year, state officials said Washington ranked among the top five states for boating deaths. In recent weeks, four people died in boating-related accidents and two others went missing. Among the dead, two of using stand-up paddleboards. Smaller vessels, like kayaks or canoes, can be especially prone to capsizing.

Here are a few cold-water safety tips to keep in mind:

• Drink water — a lot of it.
• Eat something. Keep snacks on hand to replace electrolytes and calories.
• Apply sunscreen. Wear water-resistant sunscreen. Reapply often. Consider wearing a hat and the color white to reflect sunlight.
• Take a break — in the shade. Dehydration can sneak up on people. Get out of the sun and rest.
• Eyes on the water. Don’t be blinded by the sunlight — lookout for swimmers, other boaters and paddlers, water skiers, etc.
• Always wear a life jacket. Accidents happen fast and without warning, even on a clear, sunny day. State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person onboard. Children, age 12 and younger, are always required to wear a life jacket.
• Always wear a leash. For stand-up paddleboards, a leash is a necessity. Staying tethered to a paddleboard provides extra flotation and a chance to stay alive in an accident. A variety of leashes are available (coiled, hybrid, straight, quick release). Which one to use depends on the waterway. Paddlers need to research which leash is right for them.
• Stay sober. Never use alcohol or drugs when boating or when floating in a river. Operating a boat under the influence impairs important survival reflexes and decision-making skills. Also, be aware of any prescription medications that can affect balance.
• Keep eyes on children. Children should never boat or float a river without the close supervision of an adult.
• Avoid going out alone — friends and family may be life savers.