Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp

From:          "cholst" <cholst_at_bitstream.net>
To:            paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net
Subject:       [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp
Date:          Wed, 14 Nov 2001 18:54:05 GMT

> gasping. An unprotected person in cold water will gasp 
> uncontrollably. Under water, drowning results. 

I don't question that this cold water gasp may happen occasionally, but I do 
question that it is inevitable or indeed happens with any frequency. 

Chuck Holst 

Cold Water Gasp:

For the record, the cold water gasp is a well documented response to 
immersion in cold water at 50 degrees F or lower. On my website, I have posted a picture 
of a "Polar Bear" swimmer exhibiting the response.

<http://www.enter.net/~skimmer/coldwater.html>

This response has been studied by professional physiologists using instrumented 
volunteers dressed in a bathing suit in 50 degree F water.  Heart 
rate and respiratory parameters were recorded.

Chuck Sutherland


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