03-24-2015, 01:29 PM
There are a lot of misconceptions about cold water survival. It is potentially much longer than most realize. However swimming to shore through cold water will shorten the potential hours of survival time.
http://www.ussartf.org/cold_water_survival.htm
I used to be able to swim a mile in 20 minutes. Doubt I can do that now but even with clothes on I'm confident I can cover a half mile in that time.
What causes many of these deaths is the shock and initial gasp for air underwater. I've jumped into 35 degree water and swam the length of the pool. I've also jumped off a dock into 40 degree Lake Superior and had to cover a good 100 yds to get out. You need to be prepared to handle an unexpected cold water immersion. Hold your breath until back above water and don't panic is the key. From my time spent training in ER's we never considered anyone dead until they were warm and dead.
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http://www.ussartf.org/cold_water_survival.htm
I used to be able to swim a mile in 20 minutes. Doubt I can do that now but even with clothes on I'm confident I can cover a half mile in that time.
What causes many of these deaths is the shock and initial gasp for air underwater. I've jumped into 35 degree water and swam the length of the pool. I've also jumped off a dock into 40 degree Lake Superior and had to cover a good 100 yds to get out. You need to be prepared to handle an unexpected cold water immersion. Hold your breath until back above water and don't panic is the key. From my time spent training in ER's we never considered anyone dead until they were warm and dead.
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