Oct. 21, 2006
 
THE CORPS CORNER: When All Else Fails, Know the Best Ways to Survive Capsizing
 
From the desk of Gene Davis
Operations Manager Big Sandy Area, Corps of Engineers
 
Louisa, KY (HNN) -- Even when all precautions have been taken and all boat occupants are wearing life jackets, an accidental capsizing or fall overboard can still occur. As winter quickly approaches, learning how to survive in cold water may be the most important safety precaution you can take on the lake or river.
 
If you unexpectedly fall into water that is cooler than 70 degrees, try to get back into the boat immediately. This will minimize the possibility of hypothermia and increase your chances for survival. Also, do not remove your clothing; even wet clothing can conserve body heat.
 
If more than one person is in the water and neither can get back inside the boat, they should “huddle”. Huddling means that everyone hugs together getting their chests as close as possible. Arms are place around the back of each other and kept under the water. Smaller individual or children can be placed in the middle. Huddling is only effective when everyone is wearing a life jacket.
 
The huddle helps conserve and share body heat and makes it easier for rescuers to locate everyone. Just staying together can help prevent panic.
 
For more information water safety and hypothermia, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Big Sandy Area Office, Louisa, Kentucky by telephone at (606) 638-9646 or email gene.davis@lrh01.usace.army.mil. You may also visit the Huntington District’s website at www.lrh.usace.army.mil.