Personal Watercraft Safety Course

Personal Watercraft Safety Course

Heat Exhaustion Early symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness, pale skin, headache and heavy sweating. If the victim is not treated, the skin may become hot and bright red. The victimmay become delirious or disoriented, followed by a loss of consciousness (heat stroke). Avoid heat exhaustion by avoiding prolonged direct exposure to heat and sun. When possible, spend time in a cooler location and be sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Avoid diuretics such as caffeinated sodas, coffee, tea or alcohol as these drinks will make you more dehydrated. Cold Water Shock/Immersion Cold water shock/immersion is associated with two significant medical emergencies: near drowning and hypothermia. Boaters’ chances of surviving cold water sock depend on having sufficient flotation to keep heads above water, controlling their breathing, having timely rescue by themselves or others, and retaining body heat. „ „ Sudden contact with cold water can cause involuntary gasping while under water, which can lead to panic, start the drowning process, and even trigger cardiac arrest and temporary paralysis. Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation, which may lead confused swimmers to venture deeper into the water. Cold water reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air of the same temperature and causes impairment that can lead to fatalities. „ „ Do not intentionally enter water that is too cold. The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The average pool temperature is 84 to 86 degrees. Snowmelt causes some California rivers to run at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees even during the summer. Wind chill is the effect of the wind and air temperature on the human body. Wind chill can rapidly cause heat loss, especially if you are already wet. Under some conditions, such as in cool or cold weather, staying out of the wind may become a very important factor in staying warm. „ „ Control your breathing to avoid gasping water into your lungs. Just half a cup of water in the lungs can drown a person. Don’t panic if you fall into the water. Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket, regain control of your breathing and keep your head above the water in view of rescuers. Look for ways to increase buoyancy.

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