If you fall into the water unexpectedly – even in summer – you’ll find yourself gasping for breath, and your heart rate will rise as your body reacts to the sudden change in temperature.
Cold-water shock such as this can kill in minutes unless you’re wearing a lifejacket. A lifejacket will buy you vital time in the water as your heart rate and breathing rise uncontrollably. You can easily inhale water as you involuntarily gasp for air, so a lifejacket will keep your head – and your airway – above the water while your body adjusts to the cold.
As your body cools, you’ll be unable to co-ordinate your limbs, making swimming impossible. Again, your lifejacket will provide the support you need to stay afloat and minimise further heat loss by allowing…
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Practical Boat Owner (Digital) - 1 Issue, June 2015