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Teens Rescued After Dragon Boat Capsizes In Lake Washington...
Posted on 7/26/2011
One Killed When Boat Capsizes In Puget Sound Near Camano Island...
Posted on 5/11/2011
Washington Man Dies In Hydroplaning Race Accident...
Posted on 4/20/2011
Two Injured In Boat Accident Under Evergreen Point Floating Bridge...
Posted on 3/26/2011
Man Dies After Falling Overboard From Sailboat Near Cathlamet, WA...
Posted on 11/25/2010

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Boat Accidents And Hypothermia | Washington Boat Accident Injury Lawyer

This week in our Washington State boat accident injury blog, we brought you the story of two men who capsized in their kayaks in Puget Sound. While both could swim and both were wearing life vests, even a few hours in the chilly January waters was enough to put the men in danger of hypothermia.

Hypothermia, a condition where your body’s core temperature drops to dangerous levels, is a common threat especially in the often-cold waters off of the Washington coast. Hypothermia’s symptoms start with shivering, teeth chattering, numbness, and mental confusion. Moderate hypothermia symptoms include trouble with muscle movement, a warm sensation, trouble seeing, and fatigue. Severe hypothermia can lead to low blood pressure, low heart rate, and low respiratory rate. Even moderate hypothermia requires hospital treatment. Even water that is not very cold (50 degrees) can lead to a hypothermia death in as little as an hour.

Hypothermia is treated with rapid rewarming and IV fluids.

The best action you can take to prevent hypothermia while boating is to wear appropriate clothing. The kayakers involved in last week’s boating accident were not wearing wetsuits, which are designed to protect against cold water situations. Life jackets can also significantly reduce the threat of hypothermia as long as exposure times are limited. Drinking alcohol before entering the water speeds up the hypothermia process.

Perhaps the best way to avoid hypothermia is to understand all aspects of boat safety and avoid a capsizing incident. In addition telling a friend or family member where you are going and when you should be home will help rescuers find you quickly and efficiently in the case of a boat accident.