Mo Highway Patrol Addresses Cold Weather Water Safety

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, urges everyone to be especially careful and aware around the state’s many bodies of water during the winter months.

Ice Safety

This winter’s temperatures are fluctuating from record-breaking, below zero temperatures to the upper 40s, which will greatly affect the construction of ice. It’s impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance or daily temperature. Adopt the attitude that NO ice is absolutely safe.

Youngsters are easily attracted to ice covered private ponds for skating and playing. Theoretically, the only “safe” ice is the ice at a skating rink. Ice forming on lakes, rivers, and ponds place a person at much greater risk due to natural variables. Always supervise children playing on or near ice. Make sure they understand the dangers of being on the ice and insist that they wear a lifejacket/PFD or thermal protection buoyant suit. Never let them play on ponds or lakes unattended. Adults should educate children about the dangers of playing on ice.

Many ice victims start out as would-be rescuers. To prevent this from happening, do not go onto the ice to rescue another person or retrieve a pet. To aid someone who has fallen through the ice the first step should be calling for emergency services. Rather than going onto the ice to attempt rescuing someone, you should extend a ladder, pole, or rope to a victim along with something that will float.

If you find yourself in the position of needing to be rescued, there are techniques that should be followed for self-rescue. Try not to panic. Face the direction you came from and spread your arms out on the unbroken ice. Kick your feet and try to pull yourself onto the ice. Once out of the water, do not attempt to stand. Lying on the ice keeps your weight distributed. Roll away from the hole then crawl across the ice back to solid land.

Water Safety

Cold shock occurs when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water. Once the trunk of the body goes under, the blood vessels will constrict in order to conserve core body heat. This response, in turn, can cause a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure—in some cases resulting in cardiac arrest. Cold shock also can cause involuntary gasping reflex.

Hypothermia is also a concern. The body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air. Lifejacket use becomes even more important in cold water because hypothermia can quickly rob the body of the ability to perform the most basic tasks and drowning is always a concern. If you wind up taking an unexpected plunge into cold water, it is vital to get out of the water and into dry clothes as soon as possible. If dry clothes are not an option leave the wet ones on. Even wet clothes will offer some insulation and trap body heat. A warm drink can be given to someone suffering from hypothermia as long as they are conscious. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided. Drinks with sugars for quick energy are preferable.

Mo Highway Patrol Addresses Cold Weather Water Safety