Most drowning deaths occur in water that is under 14 degrees Celsius. Without thermal protection, you can lose body heat 25 times faster in water than in air at the same temperature. Cold water can paralyse your muscles instantly. Sadly, many people do not understand this danger and how important it is to avoid it. If found in a situation like this, a lifejacket or PFD (personal floating device) is the most effective safety device in water. Effective planning includes packing and bringing these with you!
that you have to control your breathing before a cold shock
to self-rescue before cold-incapacitation
before losing all consciousness to hypothermia