Cold Water Shock

 

An Article by Worsley Training – First Aid Training in and around Wiltshire

 

Cold Water Shock

 

The sun is out and fingers crossed the UK summer has arrived?! So have you been tempted to take a dip?

Please remember that the water isn’t that warm and cold water shock is a deadly danger which catches many people unaware. The water only needs to be 15 degrees or lower for cold water shock to affect your swimming ability even if you are an expert swimmer.

It is an initial deep and sudden gasp which can result in water being breathed in rather than air. Also the breathing rate changes dramatically and can increase by as much as tenfold. The shock will pass in about 1 minute so during that time concentrate on avoiding panic and getting control of your breathing.

 

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