Sudden immersion into cold water can cause immediate, involuntary gasping; hyperventilation; panic; and vertigo—all of which can result in water inhalation and drowning. Immersion in cold water can also cause sudden changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm, which also can result in death.
- Prepare for boating in cold water conditions by always wearing a secured PFD (life jacket). Also wear layered clothing for insulation.
- The best prevention is to take all measures necessary to avoid capsizing your boat or falling into cold water in the first place. If you do fall into cold water:
- Don’t panic. Try to get control of your breathing. Hold onto something, or stay as still as possible until your breathing is controlled.
- When your breathing is under control, perform the most important functions first before you lose dexterity (10–15 minutes after immersion).
- Put on a PFD immediately if you don’t already have one on. Don’t take your clothes off unless absolutely necessary—they help insulate you.
- Focus on getting out of the water quickly before you lose full use of your hands, arms, and legs. Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped or capsized. Get as much of your body out of the water as possible—the rate of heat loss will be slower than if immersed in water.
Kuzamishwa ghafula katika maji baridi kunaweza kusababisha kukohoa mara moja, bila kukusudia; hyperventilation; hofu; na vertigo - yote ambayo yanaweza kusababisha kupumua maji na kuzama. Kuingizwa ndani ya maji baridi kunaweza pia kusababisha mabadiliko ya ghafula katika shinikizo la damu, mpigo wa moyo, na mdundo wa moyo, ambayo pia yaweza kusababisha kifo. - Jitayarishe kwa ajili ya boating katika hali ya maji baridi kwa daima kuvaa PFD imara (life jacket). Pia vaa mavazi yenye tabaka ili kuhifadhi hewa. - Uzuiaji bora ni kuchukua hatua zote muhimu ili kuepuka kugeuka mashua yako au kuanguka katika maji baridi katika nafasi ya kwanza. Kama wewe kufanya kuanguka katika maji baridi: - Je, si hofu. Jaribu kudhibiti pumzi yako. Shika kitu au kaa kimya hadi upumue vizuri. - Wakati kupumua yako ni chini ya udhibiti, kufanya kazi muhimu zaidi kwanza kabla ya kupoteza dexterity (10-15 dakika baada ya kuzamishwa). - Kuweka juu ya PFD mara moja kama huna tayari moja juu. Je, si kuchukua nguo yako nje isipokuwa ni lazima kabisa <unk> wao kusaidia kutenganisha wewe. - Jitahidi kutoka majini upesi kabla hujaweza kutumia mikono, mikono, na miguu yako kikamili. Jaribu kupanda tena mashua yako, hata ikiwa imefunikwa na maji au imepinduka. Kupata kama mengi ya mwili wako nje ya maji kama iwezekanavyo <unk> kiwango cha kupoteza joto itakuwa polepole kuliko kama kuzamishwa katika maji.