HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 08 - HUNTING PREPARATION
COLD WATER IMMERSION
This isn’t about hypothermia. If a hunter falls into cold water, they likely won’t even live long enough to worry about hypothermia. If suddenly immersed in cold water, your body will have an overpowering physiological reaction: You’ll immediately gasp for breath and hyperventilate for one minute and if you aren’t wearing a lifejacket during this time, it will be nearly impossible for you to stay above water.
Lifejackets
If you want to survive ANY kind of water-related emergency, make sure you’re wearing a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket anytime you’re near or on the water. Hunting gear is heavy—if you fall into a lake while wearing it, you’ll sink like a brick. So, wear a lifejacket because it could save your life, your buddy’s life, or even your dog’s life. Enough said?
