PADDLERsmart! Canada Knowledge Base

Capsizing emergencies are always dangerous but the danger is heightened when the capsized paddler is exposed to cold weather and water. If a paddler in your group falls overboard into cold water, you must react quickly because they’ll likely be unable to perform a self-rescue. Reacting quickly is especially important if the person overboard is panicking and struggling in the water (as most people do) because their body will lose heat 35 times faster than it would if only exposed to cold air. Cold air and cold water is double the trouble and they’re usually a package deal.