Seasonal Tips
See also: Storm Advice, Storm Planning, and Storm Terminology pages.Ice and Cold Water Safety
(from the office of the MA Dept. of Fire Services)
Swampscott Firefighters practice ice-rescues
at Tedesco Pond
Every year children, adults, and pets experience cold water and ice emergencies that are usually avoidable provided you understand some of cold weather basics:
How thick is "safe" ice?
Ice over moving bodies of water (rivers, streams, and brooks) are never safe. Do not be deceived into thinking ice is as safe as it appears. Daily weather changes effect ice in ways not entirely measureable by the naked eye. Water currents causes the ice to expand and contract, thus changing its strength and intergrity. As a result, the only "safe" ice is that at a sanctioned skating arena.
What to do if someone falls through!
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Do not go onto the ice... Often would-be rescuers become victims too.
- Reach, Throw, or Row.
Reach: Extend a branch, pole, ladder to the victim.
Throw: Toss out a bouyant object such as a life ring or float tied to a rope.
Row: If a boat is nearby row out ot the victim or push it out to him.
What if YOU fall into cold water?
Bring your knees to your chest, hold your arms to your sides and clasp your hands together, if possible cover your head to protect from heat loss.
If in the water with more than one person, huddle together to conserve heat.
Do NOT try to swim unless a boat, floating object, or the shore is nearby. Swimming will reduce your survival time by 35-50% because of loss of body heat.
How cold is "cold" water?
Any water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F) is by definition "cold water," and may not be icy.
What happens is cold water depletes the body of heat 25-30 times faster than air.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is the rapid loss of body heat so that the core body temperature is below 95 degrees F.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and loss of muscle strength. If gone untreated, hypothermia will lead to unconsciousness and death.
Personal Safety Tips
Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when near open water.
Dress properly to protect against losing body heat. By keeping your head covered you will conserve 50% of your body's heat. Wool is the best insulator (dry or wet).
For more information, check out our Storm Advice, Storm Planning, and Storm Terminology pages.