GCRA Safety Alert!

Safety Alert: Winter Weather Rowing

Although cold this week, the weather over the winter may seem nice some days. Please remember that there may be ice on the water and the water temperature obviously continues to fall and the risk of hypothermia is even more of a concern.

The Scioto water temperature has now reached below 40 F for more than 7 consecutive days. This means that the danger of hypothermia has significantly increased for anyone falling into the water.

According to the US Search and Rescue Task Force, the time to exhaustion or unconsciousness for an individual in 32.5 to 40 F water is 15 to 30 minutes. The severity of hypothermia is dependent upon the time a person spends in frigid water and the water's temperature. Also important is the amount of time spent rowing back to the dock in wet clothing in frigid conditions.

Common symptoms on hypothermia is shivering accompanied with slurred speech, an abnormally slow rate of breathing, cold pale skin, fatigue lethargy or apathy. Seek immediate medical care for anyone having been exposed to cold water or air who is exhibiting these symptoms.

To learn more about hypothermia and get some principles of cold water survival go to :

http://www.exn.ca/video/?Video=exn20020325-icewater.asx

Note, rowing in icy waters, that is water under 32 F, is prohibited. The time to exhaustion or unconsciousness, under those conditions, is less than 15 minutes.

The Safety Committee