Finding yourself unexpectedly immersed in frigid water can be a frightening experience. As boaters, we are taught that if this occurs we should stay with the boat to increase the chance of being rescued. The theory is that a boat is easier to see by search and rescue teams scanning the water from the air and affords a convenient platform to get out of the water - at least partially - in an effort to retain body heat. We have learned that swimming in cold water, even with a PFD, is extremely risky.

However, according to Canadian researchers, Dr. Michel B. Ducharme of Defence R&D Canada and David S. Lounsbury of the University of Toronto, if land is reasonably close and rescue seems unlikely due to time or location, self-rescue by swimming is clearly an option. In its 2006 drowning report, the Canadian Red Cross states self-rescue may be an option in certain circumstances. The report notes that more than 60 per cent of survivors of cold water immersions swam for shore, as opposed to only 30 percent who stayed with the boat. According to the researchers, the change in thinking is overdue.

Following 10 years of research and three cold water immersion studies they have conducted, self-rescue – especially on many of Canada’s isolated lakes and rivers – is a “viable and sometimes necessary,” option.

“We did a series of three studies in cold water - one in a lake, one in a river and another in a flume – because I questioned the original recommendations given about swimming in cold water. I knew the scientific evidence was weak or non existent,” explains Ducharme. He wanted to develop a more scientifically based approach to cold water immersion recommendations.

During the course of their research, the pair categorized crucial elements in the process – about how people react to cold water and what they are thinking upon immersion – and developed an alternate regime for cold water immersion. Their advice is easy to follow.

The first essential rule is to remain calm. Unless you are wearing an immersion suit, you will experience cold shock when you first hit the water due to the rapid cooling of your skin. You won’t be able to control your breathing and you won’t get far if you try to swim at this point. Your breathing will return to normal in two to three minutes.

The second step is to make a plan. While waiting for the cold shock to subside, consider your situation and decide whether to swim or stay.

“Over time, the onset of hypothermia impairs the capacity to make a rational decision,” says Ducharme. “There is always the stress factor that will play a role in decision-making.”

If you decide to swim, look for the shore and determine if you can make it. Most people who participated in the studies could swim between 800 and 1,500 metres in cold water, or for 45 minutes, before the muscles in their arms and legs started to cool to the point that they could no longer swim.

“According to our studies, people tend to over-estimate the distance to shore but they are much better at estimating the time to reach shore,” says Ducharme.

On the other hand, if you decide to stay with the boat, try to get out of the water as much as possible. Also complete any tasks that require the use of your hands, such as tying knots or preparing flares as soon as possible. As your hands cool, they lose dexterity.

If you are in the wilderness or it’s the middle of the night, and rescue seems unlikely by traditional means in a reasonable time frame and if the shore is about 45 minutes or less in the distance, swimming may be a viable option.

He notes there is more research that needs to be completed. “We need more data on swimming in very cold water – below 10 degrees Celsius. We need to develop recommendations on how to best save energy and body heat while swimming in cold water. We also need a better understanding of the decision-making process under stress.”

For boaters – they are still being advised to stay with the boat. But this recent research information offers an option in certain circumstances. (Page Top)