Corps Offers Cold Water Safety Tips

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Most of us think of boating and being out on the water as a summer time activity, but there are those die-hard anglers and others who still get out on the lake during the cold winter months.

With that in mind, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers warns people to take extra precautions if they plan to be out on the water this time of year.

Scott Lusk is a Park Ranger for the Corps’ Hartwell Lake office.

Lusk said it is important this time of year to dress for the water, not the air temperature.

“Boats may capsize or you might simply fall from a dock,” he said. “It’s difficult to swim if you’re submerged in cold water because your muscles get cold in a short amount of time and a person will lose the ability to rescue themselves.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Operations Center for Water Safety advised that the danger to individuals who are immersed into cold water increases as water temperature decreases below normal body temperature.

Cold-water immersion follows four stages: cold shock; swimming failure; hypothermia; and post-rescue collapse and officials say most cold-water drowning fatalities are attributed to the first two stages.

Lusk said if you fall into the cold winter waters of Lake Hartwell, try to remember the 1-10-1 rule.

“Cold shock will pass in approximately one minute,” he said. “During this time you want to remain calm and control your breathing. The ten stands for the ten minutes you have before you lose feeling in your hands, arms, and legs. So during this time you want to try to swim ashore or get back into the boat and wait for rescue.”

Lusk said it takes about an hour for a body in cold water to become unconscious from hypothermia.

Finally, Lusk said if you fall into the frigid water and can’t make it out of the water, try to remember the HELP method to keep warm until help arrives.

“That stands for Heat Escape Lessening Position,” he said. “It will help conserve body heat if you do end up in the water. So, if you’re alone in the water you should pull your knees up to your chest and wrap your arms around your knees. If you are with others try to huddle together as closely as possible and wrap your arms around each other. That will really help conserve body heat.”

Additionally, Lusk reminded boaters to always wear a life jacket and especially this time of year, never boat alone.

Also, he said to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.