06/14/2023
Before you jump in, know the risks of cold water.
Warm air doesn’t mean warm water in the Great Lakes. Fifty-five-degree water may not sound freezing but it can be deadly, especially if you aren’t prepared. Cold water drains body heat up to 4 times faster than cold air. When your body hits cold water, “cold shock” can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The sudden gasp and rapid breathing alone creates a greater risk of drowning even for confident swimmers in calm waters.
When Cold Shock and Hypothermia begin to impact your ability to think and act, lifejackets can create extra time for help to arrive or for you to get out of danger.
Wearing life jackets saves lives – Wear yours!
