Turns out the news article which has been the basis for this discussion did not go into much detail. It is worth reading the complete description of the study's findings, which deals explicitly with the choice of PFD or no PFD in very cold water. Thanks to Mick Allen, of West Coast Paddler, for pointing this out. Link: http://tinyurl.com/22p8xk Pertinent excerpt: > In most cases, clothing that is worn prior to a cold-water immersion > should be retained or supplemented if possible. In very cold water (5 > 0C), the core cooling rate for people wearing woolen underwear, a > submariner sweater, trousers, and socks, was only 1/4 of that seen for > nude individuals in the same scenario (Hayward et al. 1973). However, > only a moderate amount of clothing is needed to attenuate the cold shock > response, with little or no benefit being gained from the addition of > exterior wind and (or) shower proof clothing (Tipton et al. 1990). > Clothing can have significant effects on prolonging the time until > hypothermia, and especially for reducing the initial traumatic responses > to cold-water immersion. Unfortunately, clothing will likely detract > from swimming performance by increasing both passive and active drag. It > is also highly advisable to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at > all times. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Nov 12 2007 - 05:01:07 PST
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