Though the reason for 16-year-old Quentin Boggin’s drowning is still undetermined, East Pierce Fire and Rescue officials are reminding swimmers of one of the major dangers of Lake Tapps: Hypothermia.
Even though the weather is warm, glacier-fed water in nearby lakes and rivers, such as Lake Tapps, can be very, very cold. Just a few minutes in cold water makes it very difficult to swim or even to keep afloat.
A thermal layer on the surface of the water can be deceiving. Under that initial layer can be temperatures of 50 degrees or colder. That kind of cold water, even on the hottest summer day, can significantly lower the body’s core temperature.
If that happens, the body becomes incapable of functioning properly, affecting the ability to swim. The decreased body temperature leads to a loss of dexterity and consciousness. In extreme instances, it is fatal.
The condition is called, “hypothermia.” It’s exists when the body’s temperature drops below ninety-five degrees. This can be caused by exposure to cold water or air.
Water temperature, body size, amount of body fat and movement in the water all play a part in cold water survival. Small people cool faster than large people and children cool faster than adults.
Hypothermia affects boaters too. Should someone fall out of a boat, the shock of the cold water could cause a reflexive “gasp” allowing water to enter the lungs. Drowning can be almost instantaneous.
Life jackets are the key to help stay alive longer in cold water. They help keep a person afloat without using energy and they cover part of the body thereby providing some protection from the cold water.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, drowning accounts for an average of 24 deaths, 26 hospitalizations for near-drowning events and more than 100 visits to the emergency department annually.
“Every year, 74 percent of the children in Washington who drown, lose their lives in open water such a lake,” East Pierce Fire and Rescue Public Education Specialist Dina Sutherland said.
East Pierce Fire and Rescue offers these tips for keeping safe around water this summer:
• Constantly watch children in or near the water. Keep young children within arm’s reach;
• Assign adults to watch children at social events;
• Never drink or allow the use of alcohol or other drugs during water and boating activities or while supervising children;
• Make sure children learn to swim. Upgrade their swimming skills each year;
• Be aware that cold water can kill, even on hot summer days. If a swimmer becomes cold or tired, stay close to shore and rest;
• Wear a life vest if swimming in Lake Tapps or nearby rivers and lakes; • It’s easy to misjudge the water and swimming skills. Trouble can happen quickly;
• Never swim alone, always use the buddy system;
• Everyone should always wear a life vest when on a boat, inner tube or raft. Children also need life vests on docks and when they are near the water;
• Make sure the life vest is U.S. Coast Guard approved and fits properly. The life jacket should fit snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through the neck opening. Inflatable toys or “water wings” don’t take the place of a life vest;
• Do not let kids drive personal watercraft (such as jet skis);
• Bring a cell phone or know where to find the nearest phone. Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency;
• Install a carbon monoxide detector aboard your motorboat; and
• Learn child and adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). East Pierce Fire and Rescue offers regular CPR and first aid classes several times a month. Go to www.eastpiercefire.org for dates and times.
