While air temperatures are on the rise, water remains dangerously cold. Anyone boating, fishing or recreating in and around streams and lakes should keep that in mind, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Boating facilities over the last 10 years show that of the 112 boaters who died in accidents, 38 died during March, April and May, many from simple accidents like capsized boats.

A simple stumble in a trout stream could turn serious quickly when cold water comes into the equation. Sudden immersion into cold water delivers a brutal shock to the body's system, triggering a spontaneous inhalation reflex. The involuntary gasping often results in the victim's lungs filling with water. Disoriented and without oxygen, victims can drown within seconds. The shock to sudden immersion in cold water can cause cardiac arrest.

If the victim is fortunate to survive the immediate reactions, hypothermia - the lowering of the body's core temperature - starts to take its toll. Cold water robs the body's heat a minimum of 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. Hypothermia begins with shivering and a loss of feeling in the extremities. Cold, blue skin, decreased mental skills, and slurred speech are common symptoms, all of which make it difficult - if not impossible - for a victim to perform self-rescue. Eventually, unconsciousness and/or death settles in. More often, if the person is still in the water, he will drown.

The PFBC offers a few, common sense tips for dealing with cold water:

· Wear a life jacket. It will save you when you can't save yourself.

· Eat high-energy foods like carbohydrates, candy, fruit, etc. This will keep your fire "stoked" and will help prevent hypothermia.

· Let others know your plans and if possible, don't go alone. Self-rescue is extremely difficult in cold water. Your odds of survival go up if there are other members of your party nearby to lend aid.

· Wear appropriate clothing. Layered clothing can help prevent hypothermia. Cotton clothing should be avoided because it doesn't provide insulation when wet.

· If you find yourself falling into cold water, cover you mouth and nose with your hands. The shock of sudden immersion into cold water causes you to take a sharp breath in. Covering your airway lessens the likelihood of inhaling water.

· If you are boating and find yourself in the water, attempt to get back into your boat. If it has capsized, climb on top of the boat.

· If you are wading and fall in moving water, tuck your knees to your chest. This traps air in your waders, which helps keep you buoyant. Keep your feet up to avoid entanglement. Only attempt to stand when you are in shallow, slower moving water.

· If you can't get out of the water and shore is too far, get into the "HELP" position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture). Bring your knees to your chest and wrap your arms across your chest to slow the loss of body heat.

· Once on dry land, do not remove your clothing. Even wet, it provides some insulation.

· Get to warmth quickly. Recognize the signs of hypothermia and response accordingly. Seek medical assistance if need be.

4/22/2005