With summer upon us, people across Northern B.C. are heading out to rivers, lakes and coastal waters to fish, boat and cool off. But even during warm weather, water temperatures can remain dangerously cold.
B.C. Emergency Health Services is reminding the public that water at 15 degrees Celsius or colder can trigger cold water shock, an involuntary and immediate reaction that can occur when a person suddenly enters cold water.
Paramedic Public Information Officer Brian Twaites says many people underestimate how quickly conditions can become dangerous.
“you can lose control quite quickly and in fact cold water shock could actually cause drowning death prior to the person going into hypothermia because of the gasping and the taking in of water. So that’s why it’s so important to be wearing things like a life jacket or a PFD that helps keep your head above the water.“
He says the initial reaction to cold water is automatic and can be disorienting.
“That’s where when you have water temperatures of fifteen degrees or lower, if you have sudden immersion into that cold water, your body will go through a syndrome that can be quite dangerous.“
If someone unexpectedly enters cold water, Twaites says the first step is to focus on breathing before attempting to swim or move.
“Focus on controlling your breathing. That’s really, really important because that cold shock’s gonna make you hyperventilate, gasp for air. We want you to regain control of your breathing before you attempt to move.“
Emergency officials recommend wearing a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device at all times near water, as it can help keep a person’s airway above the surface during those critical first moments. They also advise keeping children within arm’s reach whenever they are in or around water.
Officials say understanding how cold water shock works and taking simple precautions can significantly reduce risk during recreational water activities.
