It is widely acknowledged that an unexpected fall into cold water is very dangerous. The initial cold-water shock can cause a gasp that, if your head is underwater, may be sufficient to drown you. If you survive the initial gasp, it will be followed by more gasps and significant hyperventilation. During that first minute, experts explain that you should try to be calm… support yourself in the water by either holding on to something or better still, have your lifejacket on before you end up in the water… and wait for your breathing to return to normal. And your breathing will return to normal as long as you can remain floating, keep your airway open and keep breathing.

For additional information on cold water, how to be aware and prepare, watch these videos, or download the informative PDF’s and share with friends and family.