- Dec 27, 2012
- 30,216
While it would suck, you have a lot more than seconds. Just depends on what physical condition you are in and rescue ability. In near freezing water, with self rescue you'd have about 2-4 minutes as a healthy adult before you'd be non-functional and you'd need immediate access to dry warm clothing and/or ability to be taken in to a warm environment. For someone rescuing you, you'd have anything from 5-45 minutes depending on your physical condition.
Good info...thanks. I'm always afraid of getting the boat in a jam, and spilling it on the river, and how I'd react.Anyone who ventures out on cold water should be aware of the 1-10-1 rule. It's taught to us in swiftwater and ice rescue classes. Here is great explanation of it.
Check out the videos at the side. That first minute when your body goes into cold shock is where most people drown and gives rise to the myth that cold water can trigger a heart attack. If you've read about it you know its coming you can ride it out and not panic and then have a good chance at self rescue once the hyper ventilation subsides. Of course if you don't have PFD then your odds go way down to begin with.