Florida is sunny and warm all year long – and boaters take advantage of this. While the prospect of a leisurely day on the water can be deeply appealing, you still need to be aware of the risks.
One of those risks is hypothermia. Whether you fall overboard on accident or you purposefully decide to go for a swim, there are all kinds of risks, but hypothermia is one of the most significant because it can set in far faster than most people realize.
The chilling reality of hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the victim’s core body temperature to drop below the norm of 98.6F to 95F (or lower). Several factors influence how quickly hypothermia can set in, such as:
- Water temperature: The colder the water, the faster heat is drawn from the body – but hypothermia can set in even when the waters are relatively warm. Water conducts heat away from the body 26 times faster than air.
- Clothing: What you’re wearing when you go over the side of a boat also affects how fast hypothermia can set in. Wet clothing conducts heat away from the body much faster than dry clothing.
- Body size and composition: Smaller individuals, who have less body fat, are more susceptible to hypothermia than those who are heavier.
It’s important for everybody who is out on a boat to recognize the early signs of hypothermia so they can seek help for themselves or a friend right away. Early warning signs include intense shivering, slurred speech, pale skin, difficulty with coordination and fatigue or lethargy.
If early hypothermia is allowed to progress, victims can end up with permanent organ damage. They can even die. If you or your loved one suffers injuries while boating due to another party’s neglect, it’s wise to explore all of your legal options, as you may be entitled to compensation.