American Canoe Association The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a member- Be Prepared - Cold Water based nonprofit organization (501(c)3) that promotes fun and responsible canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Cold Founded in 1880, the ACA actively advocates recreational access and stewardship of America’s water trails. For Cold water is extremely dangerous. more information and to become a member, visit Water It quickly robs the body of its www.americancanoe.org. strength, diminishes coordination and impairs judgment. Immersion Survival American Canoe Association in water as warm as 50 – 60 Phone: (540) 907-4460 degrees can initiate what has been Fax: (888) 229-3792 determined to be “Cold Water Shock”. When a paddler capsizes www.americancanoe.org and is suddenly immersed in cold water the body’s first reflexive Making the world a better place to paddle. Since 1880. action is to gasp for air, followed by increased heart rate, blood pressure and disorientation and can even lead to cardiac arrest. Without proper equipment and apparel, the body can become incapacitated in just a few minutes and without a lifejacket this can be a very dangerous and often fatal combination. When paddling in places where the water temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, Adventure Leadership Institute a wetsuit is a must and a drysuit is highly recommended. This is also the Oregon State University case if the combined air and water Corvallis, OR 97331-3301 temperatures are below 120 degrees 541.737.4341 Fahrenheit. w. http://oregonstate.edu/recsports/adventure- A second dangerous situation leadership-institute that can occur in cold water or cold weather is Hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when exposure to the elements prohibits the body from reheating and maintaining its core temperature. Typical symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, impaired judgment, clumsiness, loss of manual dexterity and slurred speech. Part of ACA’s Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart Series www.americancanoe.org tions. way to experiencing hypothermia. Prevent Group members need to constantly as- Moderate hypothermia Plan your trip and “think smart” sess the behavior of others in their group. What (shiveringType is mayfor decrease me? or stop): Know the water temperature and weather Look for changes in behavior, withdrawal, Victim may seem irrational with dete- forcast before you set out. sluggishness, talking less or a member not riorating coordination. Treat the same as eating enough. These are all symptoms of above but no drinks. Fuel Your Body fatigue and may suggest a problem that the Victim should be kept lying down with Keep your body well fueled with high car- group needs to address. torso, thighs, head and neck covered bohydrate foods and lots of water. with dry clothes, coats or blankets to stop further heat loss. Seek medical at- Insulate your Body tention immediately. Simply said, you should dress for immer- sion in cold water. Assess The most typical symptoms of hypothermia Severe hypothermia (in order of onset) are: (shivering may have stopped): Avoid wearing cotton clothing when pad- - Shivering Victim may resist help or be semicon- dling in cool temperatures. - Impaired judgment scious or unconscious. Removed from Dress in layers using synthetic fabrics such - Clumsiness water, victim must be kept prone, on as polyester fleece to prevent getting over- - Loss of dexterity back and immobile. Victim must be heated or chilled from perspiration. - Slurred speech handled gently. Cover torso, thighs, head Carry a waterproof jacket designed for - Inward behavior and neck with dry covers to stop further splash and/or rain protection. - Shivering stops heat loss. Arms and legs must not be Anytime the water temperature is less than - Muscle rigidity stimulated in any manner. Cold blood 60degrees Fahrenheit, wear specialized - Unconsciousness in extremities that suddenly returns to insulating clothing (wetsuit or drysuit) ca- - Death the core may induce cardiac arrest. Seek pable of protecting you while in the water. medical attention immediately.

Keep in mind that the warmth and comfort Victim appears dead range of a dry suit can be flexible based on Treat (little or no breathing, no pulse, body the clothing worn underneath it. Mild hypothermia (victim shivering but coherent): rigid): Assume victim can still be revived. Look Wear a warm hat that will stay on your *If possible, take action before this stage. You may still have time to either stop the trip or for faint pulse or breathing for 2 minutes. head in the water. A fleece-lined skullcap is If any trace is found, do not give CPR. It ideal. take out early. Planning for an early take out and/or shuttle half way pays dividends. can cause cardiac arrest. Move victim to place of warmth. Remove wet Medical help is imperative. If pulse and Have spare, dry clothing and store in a breathing are totally absent, trained sealed dry bag while on the water. clothing; give warm, sweet drinks; no alcohol or caffeine. Keep victim warm for several medical personnell should start CPR. Watch Out for your Group hours. The “window of opportunity” is closing Know your emotional and physical limita- fast. By this time you are already well on your