The recent pair of boating accidents that occurred on Clear Lake this week graphically showed just how cold water can impact the chances of survival. In one accident two men capsized in a canoe and were
During the winter months the water temperatures on Clear Lake can drop as low as 42 degrees and 50-degree water temperatures are common. According to the United State Search and Rescue Task Force, the expected survival time in water of 33 to 40 degrees is 30 to 90 minutes. Loss of conscious will occur in 15 to 30 minutes. In 40 to 50 degree water the survival time is 1 to 3 hours with unconscious occurring in 30 to 60 minutes. Cold water robs the body’s heat 32 times faster than cold air. Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees. When the body temperature drops to 96.5 degrees shivering occurs. Amnesia can set in when the body temperature drops to 94 degrees and unconsciousness sets in when the body temperature drop to 86 degrees. Death normally occurs when the body temperature dips to 79 degrees. Body weight and physical condition can result in longer or shorter time of survival.
Studies have shown that swimming in cold water causes the body to lose heat much faster than remaining still in the water. Wool clothes will also hold body heat longer even when soaking wet.
