BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 07 - Emergency Preparedness
1-10-1
1-10-1 is a simple way to remember the first three phases of cold water immersion and the approximate time each phase takes.
1- Cold shock:
An initial deep and sudden gasp followed by hyperventilation and a rise in heart rate. Cold shock will pass in about one minute. During that time concentrate on avoiding panic and getting control of your breathing. Wearing a lifejacket during this phase is critically important to keep you afloat and breathing.
10 - Cold incapacitation:
Over approximately the next ten minutes, you will lose the effective use of your fingers, arms and legs for any meaningful movement. Swim failure will occur within these critical minutes and if you are in the water without a lifejacket, drowning will likely occur.
1- Hypothermia:
Even in ice water, it could take approximately one hour before becoming unconscious due to hypothermia. You should understand the techniques of how to delay hypothermia, self-rescue and calling for help in order to increase your chances of survival.
Cold water can also paralyze your muscles instantly–making it extremely difficult to put on a lifejacket or PFD.
It is important to remember that cold water shock can occur throughout the year, even during warm summer months when water temperatures can remain lower than outside air temperatures.
