[Paddlewise] Hypothermia tables

Hi All,

There are several types of survival tables out there in the literature. 
The USCG Table is one of them. Another table gives a column for 
swimming vs holding still. A third type of table shows survival time 
when victim is dressed in various types of clothing.

The objective is a good one. What is the basis for the estimations
made for the effects of various temperature ranges on dexterity?

At least up to 50 d. F water temperature, we have eye-witness cases 
in which victims dressed in street clothes have disappeared under 
the surface in a just a few minutes. Of course, they weren't wearing PFDs. 
Inhalation of the cold water can paralyze the respiratory tract preventing further
breathing. Victims last only a minute or two before going under.

When we run our cold water paddling clinics, we emphasize the
absolute need to TEST YOUR GEAR IN THE WATER on which you plan to
paddle.  Tables, while a helpful guide, can not be substituted for
going in the water.

If we all were to make a useful contribution to this problem of
what to wear at what temperature, we would compose a table that
rates the relative capabilities of the many different grades of
wetsuits/fuzzy rubber suits that are on the market.

In my case, I accidently tested my old coated polartec long pants
and top at 50 d. F a few years ago after capsizing my sailing
canoe. I thrashed about for about 15 minutes before my good friends
noticed that I wasn't keep up with the pack and returned to help me
out. We bailed the boat and continued sailing for another hour or
so. I never reached the first (shivering) level of hypothermia.
Down to 50 d.F the gear worked well for that brief immersion.

Later, sitting in the water for a few minutes, I concluded that I
should at least have added my paddling jacket to the outfit.

As I mentioned a few days ago on this list, I don't have a good
measure anymore of the relative effectiveness of the various
wetsuits currently on the market. I know my neoprene wetsuit, with
the coated polartec top under a standard Drytop worked well enough
in water down to 40 d.F.  I checked that combination at one of our
cold water clinics.

My message is that this subject is more complicated than can be
indicated by a Table.  We need to provide additional information
for the effort to be acceptable. Such information should be
available to all on the SEAKAYAKER WEBSITE !

For anyone interested, I have a cold water paddling website at
<www.enter.net/~skimmer/coldwater.html>

I also have a noncommercial cold water paddling brochure that can be 
handed out to club members, etc. Content has ben reviewed and 
verified by the education staff of the U.S.C.G. I will happily send 
you a master copy at no charge, and you can print [AND FOLD] as many 
copies as you need  (Send an e-mail with your address).

Thanks,
Chuck Sutherland
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