Cold Water Dangers Rise as Temperatures Drop: Officials Urge Life Jacket Use

Safety tips provided to help recreators stay safe this winter season

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – With temperatures dropping rapidly across Utah, the Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) and the Division of State Parks are urging those who continue to boat, fish, hunt and recreate on or near the water to take extra precautions. Cold water immersion can be deadly, even for experienced recreators, as the risks of cold shock, incapacitation and hypothermia rise sharply in these cold conditions. 

“As fall transitions to winter, it’s crucial to remember that cold water can overwhelm even the strongest swimmers within minutes,” said Ty Hunter, boating program manager for the DOR. “Wearing a life jacket isn’t just a good habit; it’s a life-saving decision. A life jacket gives you the best chance to stay afloat, maintain control and survive long enough for rescue if you end up in cold water unexpectedly.”

Cold Water Risks and Survival Basics

Accidental immersion in cold water can quickly incapacitate and lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to confusion, loss of coordination, and even unconsciousness. To increase your chance of survival in cold water, wear a lifejacket, and remember the 1:10:1 principle:

• 1 minute of uncontrolled breathing, gasping, or hyperventilation due to cold shock. The lifejacket will help keep your airway above water during this initial uncontrolled reaction. 
• 10 minutes of meaningful movement to reach safety or reboard a boat.
  • The lifejacket will keep you afloat while you still have some fine motor control to self-rescue, board your boat and call for help
• 1 hour of survival time before hypothermia may cause unconsciousness.
  • Wearing a lifejacket will keep you afloat and provide extra insulation.

Cold Water Safety Tips:

• Wear a life jacket at all times. Cold water shock can cause rapid, uncontrollable breathing and panic. A life jacket keeps you afloat, reduces movement and conserves heat, which can be life-saving in cold water.
• Dress for the water, not the air. Even on warm days, water temperatures can be dangerously low. Wear synthetic, water-resistant layers and bring extra clothing to stay warm if you get wet. 
• Plan ahead and stay informed. Always check the weather and water conditions before heading out. Carry a cell phone or communication device in a waterproof pouch, and consider boating with a buddy for added safety.
• Practice controlled breathing. The initial cold shock response can lead to hyperventilation. Take slow, deep breaths to stabilize your breathing and help prevent panic to help facilitate the coordination of body movement.
• Follow the “Reach, Throw, Row, Don’t Go” technique. If you or someone else is in the water and struggling to get out, remember this sequence:
  • Reach: Extend a stick, paddle, or other object to pull them in.
  • Throw: Toss a flotation device or rope to keep them afloat.
  • Row: Carefully row closer to offer help from a safe distance.
  • Don’t Go: Avoid entering the water to prevent additional risk.
• Stay with your boat when possible. If your boat capsizes, staying with it is often safer than attempting to swim to shore. A boat is easier for rescuers to spot and provides a way to stay above water. 

“Preparation is everything,” said Hunter. “No one expects to fall into cold water, but knowing the risks and dressing appropriately – starting with wearing a life jacket – can make the difference between life and death.”