It May Be Hot This Weekend, But Puget Sound Will Remain Cold

SEATTLE — After a damp and cold spring, summer is coming in full force this weekend as a heat wave rolls in to Western Washington. And while it can be great to get out on the water to escape the hot hot heat, first responders want to remind everyone: even as temperatures soar, the Puget Sound's waters can remain deadly cold.

Nearly all of Washington's waterways remain under 60 degrees year-round, even in the summer, and safety experts warn that any water under 70 degrees is cold and can remain dangerous. As such, they're asking everyone to familiarize themselves with the signs of cold-water immersion.

Four stages of cold-water immersion risks, from Washington State Parks:

STAGE 1: COLD-WATER SHOCK

Initial cold shock occurs in the first three to five minutes of accidentally falling overboard. You can experience immediate involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, vertigo and panic — all of which can result in water inhalation and death from drowning. A life jacket will help prevent water inhalation by keeping your head above the water. You may also experience sudden changes in blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythm, which can result in death.

STAGE 2: SWIM FAILURE

Short-term immersion swim failure occurs three to 30 minutes following a fall overboard into cold water. The muscles and nerves in the arms and legs cool quickly. Manual dexterity, handgrip strength and speed of movement can drop by 60% to 80%. Even strong swimmers can lose the strength necessary to pull themselves out of the water or even keep their head above water. A life jacket will help keep you afloat when your body loses it's strength. A life jacket can help keep your core warm and keep you afloat if you loss consciousness.

STAGE 3: HYPOTHERMIA

Long-term immersion hypothermia may set in after 30 minutes, depending on water temperature, clothing, body type and behavior in the water. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it produces, cooling vital organs. Cold water robs the body of heat 25 times faster than cold air. Hypothermia can eventually lead to loss of consciousness and death, with or without drowning.

STAGE 4: CIRCUM-RESCUE COLLAPSE

Post-immersion circum-rescue collapse occurs during or after rescue. Once rescued, people are still in danger of cardiac arrest. In addition, inhaled water can damage lungs, and heart problems can develop as cold blood from arms and legs is released into the body's core.

Here are a few cold-water safety tips to keep in mind:

• Drink water — a lot of it.
• Eat something. Keep snacks on hand to replace electrolytes and calories.
• Apply sunscreen. Wear water-resistant sunscreen. Reapply often. Consider wearing a hat and the color white to reflect sunlight.
• Take a break — in the shade. Dehydration can sneak up on people. Get out of the sun and rest.
• Eyes on the water. Don't be blinded by the sunlight — lookout for swimmers, other boaters and paddlers, water skiers, etc.
• Always wear a life jacket. Accidents happen fast and without warning, even on a clear, sunny day. State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person onboard. Children, age 12 and younger, are always required to wear a life jacket.
• Always wear a leash. For stand-up paddleboards, a leash is a necessity. Staying tethered to a paddleboard provides extra flotation and a chance to stay alive in an accident. A variety of leashes are available (coiled, hybrid, straight, quick release). Which one to use depends on the waterway. Paddlers need to research which leash is right for them.
• Stay sober. Never use alcohol or drugs when boating or when floating in a river. Operating a boat under the influence impairs important survival reflexes and decision-making skills. Also, be aware of any prescription medications that can affect balance.
• Keep eyes on children. Children should never boat or float a river without the close supervision of an adult.
• Avoid going out alone — friends and family may be life savers.