Sheriff's Office Hopes to Prevent Cold Water Drowning
Every year Lewis County
Sheriff’s Office responds to preventable drowning deaths related to swimming
and boating accidents. As warm weather
approaches, the Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public of a few safety
precautions before taking a dip in the waterways of Lewis County.
Water temperatures in Lewis County
are still in the mid 40’s on almost all waterways. Cold water shock and hypothermia
are major concerns for anyone exposed to these types of water temperatures for
any length of time. Unfortunately, each year the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigates
preventable water related deaths had the victim been aware of the dangers of
swimming in cold water.
Hypothermia is a well-known
contributing factor to water fatalities. However, the shock from jumping into cold water
is even more devastating and immediately dangerous than hypothermia. Cold water
shock results in a shortness of breath, involuntary gasping, hyperventilation
and panic that leads to many of the drownings we have investigated. Cold water shock also contributes to heart failure.
Many people think if the air temperature is hot, the cool water will have
little to no effect upon them; however, water conditions this time of year are
not warm enough to avoid temperature shock or stay in for any length of time.
“Understanding the dynamics
of swimming in cold water, knowing water conditions, swimming with others, and staying
away from drugs and alcohol will prevent water fatalities and help ensure an
enjoyable accident free outing,” said Sheriff Steve
Mansfield.
Statistics:
- Per year, over 1500 teens and children die as a result of drowning
in the United States. This includes children swimming, boating, or playing
near the water.
- Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury or
death amongst all ages according to the National Center for Disease
Control.
- In Washington State the group with the overall highest risk for
drowning is children under the age of 5.
###