Seamanship_Secrets_185_Tips_-_Techniques_for_Better_Navigation-_Cruise_Planning-_and_Boat_Handling_Under_Power_or_Sail_(Re)_e..

preventing and handling emergencies 287

water. Most never had a chance and survived only a few minutes (see graph).
Drowning—not hypothermia—is the real threat in cold water. An unprotected
person (wearing regular street or boating clothes) goes through severe trauma
during the fi rst few minutes of immersion:

Q Gasping or hyperventilation could lead to drowning.

Q Disorientation and panic could cause cardiac problems.

Q Fingers stiff en. You will soon be unable to grasp fl otsam, fl otation,

or a trail line.

Wearing a life jacket can make all the difference in your ability to survive in
cold water anywhere in the world.

Skipper’s Immersion Survival and Treatments Guide

Th e skipper has a responsibility to keep passengers and crew safe in all condi-
tions. Unlike many illnesses, hypothermia tends to sneak up on a person with
little warning. Th is section gives you valuable tips on survival skills and the best
treatments aft er recovering a person from the water.

1. Protect body heat-loss zones. Heat loss will be greatest from six major body
   zones: head, neck, sides of chest, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. Th e
   head loses 90% of all body heat. Carry a watch cap or ski cap in your pocket.
   If you fall overboard, you need to keep your head out of the water—and
   protected. A jacket or PFD collar protects the back of the neck. In a pinch,

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

0.25 0.5 1 2 3

Survival Time in Hours

Water Temperature

21

18

16

13

10

7

4

2

–1

°F °C

Minimum survival times for unprotected persons in cold water.