Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp

Chuck Sutherland writes:

>> 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

The photo of the Polar Bear swimmer shows him gasping *above water*, where 
there is no danger in doing so. I have probably done this myself -- but 
never *below water*, where self-preservation has always kept my mouth shut. 

I don't dispute the dangers of cold water. I have a great respect for it. I 
have been in situations that caused uncontrollable shivering in one case and 
near muscle paralysis in another. I own a dry suit and almost always wear it 
when the water temperature is below 55 degrees F. I carry a neoprene hood in 
my day hatch, and don it when appropriate. I have worn both for rolling in 
Lake Superior on a 90 degree June day when other kayakers were making 
crossing in T-shirts and shorts. 

What I do dispute is whether the cold water gasp is truly uncontrollable in 
situations where it would make a difference. In my experience -- and that of 
a lot of Finns in northern Minnesota -- in the majority of cases it is not. 

In those cases where people have gasped underwater and inhaled water, I 
suggest that surprise may have been as big a factor as water temperature. In 
situations where the person is mentally prepared, I suggest that an 
underwater gasp is rare or nonexistent. By mental preparation, I mean that 
the person has chosen to immerse himself or herself in cold water, or is 
accustomed to it. Obviously, if mental preparation is an important factor, 
then practice in cold water can be as important to cold water safety as 
dressing appropriately, and should be a recommended part of it. 

Chuck Holst 

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