[Paddlewise] Hypothermia Table

Hi P'wisers--

I found a nifty table on the USCG website describing the survival times
at certain water temperatures.

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/mse4/pfdcold.htm

I wanted to make a similar table for general kayaking use so novices
can have some idea of what clothing is appropriate at each water
temperature.

In addition, the original table only described time until [Exhaustion
or Unconsciousness] and [Expected Time of Survival].  What folks really
need to know isn't "how long will I live," or, "How soon will I die",
but "How soon will I lose the motor function required for a rescue".

I added a [Loss of Dexterity] column, and roughed in the numbers:

http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/guille/wiki.pl?Hypothermia_Table

I'd appreciate any feedback--do you think the numbers are appropriate,
or should some of them be revised up or down?

It probably needs a disclaimer that the numbers aren't absolute.  I'm
intending a good, general guide for novices who have no idea how to
dress for the water.  Another thing it says is "if you don't have a
drysuit, and the water is 40*F, don't go out".

Thanks,
Shawn

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