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 The waters
of Alaska are cold and many of the locations remote. It doesn't
matter which kind of boat you fall out of; cold water, rocks, rapidly
changing conditions, and bad judgment can kill or severely injure you
and others in your group, whether you are
running a river, landing in dumping surf, or simply canoeing on a
lake. Become informed, build your skills, use the right equipment,
and make sound judgments. It is easy to get in
trouble. You alone, must make the decision to participate in
water
activities based on your personal set of skills and
judgment! If you should find yourself swimming in the cold waters
of Alaska, there is only one person who is ultimately responsible for
your rescue. That person is you! If you don't know then don't go. After
all, what's the value of those great tales of adventure, if you're not
around to tell them.
 As part
of our effort to raise awareness of the various aspects of safety in
paddle
sports, KCK hosts an Annual Paddling Safety Meeting which is open to
the general public as well as members.We offer presentations on various
safety topics pertinent to paddling in Alaska. This year's meeting was
a success with well over 100 attendees. We look forward to another
Safety Meeting some time in April of 2011.
KCK would like to offer the following advisement
to persons participating in paddle sports in Alaska.
The waters of Alaska offer many unique challenges to paddlers of
all skill levels. One of the greatest challenges is the potential
for capsize in very cold water. Numerous "sudden cold water drownings"
have prompted a closer look by private, governmental, and academic
professionals. What has become apparent is the danger posed
by sudden cold water immersion. This has come to be referred to as
cold water shock or cold water immersion phenomenon. What it involves
is the human body's physiological response to sudden exposure to cold
water. Firstly there is a gasp reflex which may result in sudden
drowning if one's head is under water when this occurs. This is
followed by an inability to control ones breathing which may be
experienced as difficulty exhaling or as hyperventilation or both.
This period may last from 1 to 3 minutes before subsiding. The
main focus during this is to keep one's head above water
while concentrating on breathing control. Secondly the body reacts to
cold water by constricting blood vessels and reducing the blood flow to
extremities. The resulting effect is a short time window for self
rescue (as little as 5 minutes) before ones hands and feet become
useless. Act quickly to accomplish rescue and communicate with those
who may be assisting. In
some cases cardiac arrest has occurred from sudden cold water
immersion, therefore making the existence of any known heart
condition a particular cause for concern. Actual water temps, dress and
ones physical condition may all factor into the severity of these
effects. No one is immune from cold water shock.
The only true protection from cold water shock is a drysuit in good
condition with proper insulating undergarments, gloves and head gear.
Wetsuits do not protect from cold water shock because they require the
body to first warm a thin layer of water next to the skin. A wetsuit
can be made more effective with the addition of a dry-top. A PFD in
good condition is always worn regardless of the chosen
dress. All individuals within a group should be wearing PFDs
without exception!
While it is not to be ignored, hypothermia (the lowering of the body's
core temperature) is not the immediate danger in cold water immersion
but rather an extended effect. A person can survive in near freezing
water for 60 minutes or more before succumbing to hypothermia. Knowing
how to recognize, treat, and prevent hypothermia should be part of
every Alaskan paddler's skill set.
Sudden cold water immersion certainly does not equal death, as
evidenced by the many surviving members of "Polar Bear Clubs" but it is
a matter to be taken seriously by those of us who yearn for the
exhilarating feel of a paddle stroke in the inspiring waters of
our great state. Knowledge is key. Good judgment is the responsibility
of every individual!
Additional
safety related links
 Atlantic
Kayak Tours Safety Page
ACA
Safety Page
Marvin
Copley's Safety Page
Pool
Sessions
Cold
Shock and Swimming Failure
Yukonman, Cold Water Survival
Personal
Gear for Alaska Paddling
Guidelines
for River Trip Organizers, Leaders and Participants
River
Safety Lecture Guidelines
Safety
Code of American Whitewater
State
of Alaska Cold Injuries Guidelines
Alaska
DNR Cold Water Boating Video
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