Prevention & Lifejackets

The best-case scenario for Cold Water Immersion is to “reduce or prevent the risk”. When boating in cold water, it’s as simple as making sure you do not overload your boat, avoiding situations where you may fall overboard and, of course, makings sure that everyone, including yourself, is wearing a lifejacket in case of an unforeseeable emergency.

Without thermal protection, you can lose body heat 25 times faster in water than in air with a similar temperature and that can be increased tremendously with movement like swimming or being in water that is moving (current).

The best choice in flotation equipment for cold water immersion is something that will offer the maximum thermal protection, such as a floater jacket and pants or a one-piece survival suit. However, this is not always accessible to everyone and your best chance of surviving is by wearing a lifejacket and to ensure you have your lifejacket on at all times in a boat so you are prepared before an accidental immersion into cold water happens.

If you do find yourself in cold water, in addition to having your lifejacket on, there are some things you can do to delay the onset of hypothermia.

HELP Position

The Heat Escape Lessening Posture, or HELP, reduces heat loss from your armpits and your groin, two areas of high heat loss. When you’re in the water with your lifejacket on, squeeze your legs together and draw them slightly upwards towards your chest. Close down through your armpits, bringing your arms either by your side or crossing them across your chest.

HUDDLE Position

If you are with a group of people, 3 to 5 people is best for contact and insulation, with your lifejackets on, you can swim toward one another, huddle as close as possible and hold onto one another’s lifejacket so no one floats away. Your lifejacket will keep you floating so you do not need your arms to keep your head above water and you are able to grab onto one another.