Source: Wisconsin DNR

The dramatic rescue of a kayaker from a flood-swollen river in west central Wisconsin this month offers what state boating safety specialists say is a compelling example of how quickly cold water can affect a person and why boaters need to take special precautions when on Wisconsin’s waterways this spring.

On March 13 around 5:30 p.m., the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department received a call that a woman kayaking in flood conditions on the Rush River had overturned and become separated from her boat. The victim was in the middle of the river on a log and the caller said that the woman had been there for about 45 minutes and was becoming hypothermic.

Rescuers wearing survival suits were able to reach the woman, but she said she was unable to grasp anything with her hands and that she was unsure if she could even move from the log due to how cold she was.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Brad Peterson arrived at the scene in a flat bottom boat, was able to navigate to the victim, and rescuers were able to get her into the boat for transport to a hospital. Peterson was commended by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for his life-saving efforts.

“This person’s survival is due in large part to the expertise of DNR Warden Brad Peterson,” Pierce County Sheriff’s officials said. “The skill that he showed on this rescue was unbelievable. We watched Brad navigate extremely dangerous currents and debris to get to the victim. How he did this is only due to skill and professionalism that truly saved this lady’s life.”

DNR boating safety specialists caution boaters that even though spring has arrived and the weather is warming, the water can still be very cold and hypothermia is a real threat to boaters who capsize.

Hypothermia can occur when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, according to Roy Zellmer, DNR boating safety administrator.

“The loss of body heat results in loss of dexterity, loss of consciousness, and eventually loss of life,” Zellmer says. “Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air.” The three main areas of heat loss from the human body are the head, the armpits and the groin.

To have a safe time boating in cold water, DNR safety specialists recommend:

• Taking a boater safety course.
• Always wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. You can float without using energy and they cover part of your body thereby providing some protection from the cold water.
• Avoiding alcohol. Most hospitalized hypothermia cases involve people who have consumed excessive quantities of alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgment and inhibits the body’s normal shivering trigger—denying the body its most effective heat producing response.
• Packing an extra set of clothes, towels, blanket or sleeping bag.
• Sitting low in the boat. Don’t stand or move around unless absolutely necessary. Capsizing and falling overboard is often due to a victim losing balance or tripping over equipment in the boat. Never allow passengers to ride on gunwales or seatbacks or outside of protective railings, including the front of a pontoon boat. A sudden turn, stop or start could cause a fall overboard.
• Not overloading a boat. This is a common cause of capsizing among duck hunters.
• Not slowing down too quickly. Sudden deceleration often allows the stern wake to overtake and swamp the boat by washing over the transom.
• Being weather wise. Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a radio along and keep a close eye on the weather.
• Bringing emergency supplies such as maps, flares, and a first aid kit. Put them in a floating pouch.
• Telling someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Planning what to do if you should fall in.

Zellmer says the physical shock of cold water can cause cardiac arrest or cold-induced gasping.

“If your mouth is underwater when this gasp occurs, drowning is the most probable outcome,” he says. If you know you are about to fall into cold water, cover your face with your hands. This helps you to avoid gasping water into your lungs.

“If you do fall in, get back in the boat if possible. The more of your body that is out of the water -- on top of an over-turned boat or anything that floats -- the less heat you will lose. See professional medical care as soon as possible even if the victim has seemingly made a complete recovery.”

If someone is not able to get back in a boat, they should limit body movement, and not swim unless they can reach a nearby boat or floating object. Swimming lowers your body temperature and even good swimmers can drown in cold water.

Instead, Zellmer says people should “assume the heat-escape-lessening-position” (H.E.L.P.). Begin by crossing your ankles, then cross your arms over your chest, draw your knees to your chest, lean back, and try to relax.

People who ski in cold water temperatures should be sure to dress properly. Wear a wetsuit and preferably a drysuit. A wetsuit allows water into your suit but insulates and warms it once it enters. A drysuit does not allow any water in because it has rubber seals that fit snugly around the neck, wrists, and ankles. Be sure to use gloves and booties when appropriate.

Zellmer says there are three stages to hypothermia marked by the following symptoms:

1. Mild hypothermia -- the person feels cold, has violent shivering and slurred speech.

2. Medium hypothermia -- the person has a certain loss of muscle control, drowsiness, incoherence, stupor and exhaustion.

3. Severe hypothermia -- the person collapses and is unconscious and shows signs of respiratory distress and/or cardiac arrest probably leading to death.

Hypothermia can be treated by gradually raising the body temperature back to normal. If an extra change of dry clothes is available have the person change into them immediately. Cover the person with layers like towels, sweatshirts, or hats. A dry life vest will also do. Have the person move around to increase blood flow to warm the body. Position the person in the boat as to where they are shielded from wind.

Give the person non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic hot liquids, sweets, carbohydrates, and proteins and fats. Avoid nicotine. Put the person in front of a heat source. If none is available share the body heat of other people on board by grouping together under towels. A warm bath could be used for mild to medium hypothermia, gradually increasing the temperature. Keep arms and legs out of the water and do not attempt to raise the body temperature too quickly. Do not massage the victim’s arms and legs.

“At Wisconsin DNR we want you to be safe in Wisconsin’s outdoors,” Zellmer said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Roy Zellmer (608) 264-8970 or Bill Engfer at (608) 266-0859