SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-post-rescue-collapse

When pulling a long-immersed cold water victim into a small boat, what position is safest for them?

Lying down as soon as possible.

  1. Standing up to walk around
  2. Lying down flat ✔
  3. Sitting upright with legs dangling

Why: After a long cold water immersion, blood pressure can drop suddenly once the water's pressure on the body is gone. Getting the person lying down lowers the risk of collapse. Handle them gently and get medical help.

Huh, didn't know that: NASBLA suggests rescuers say 'keep fighting for your survival' instead of 'relax, you are safe', since relief itself may trigger collapse.

The dad joke
What did the blanket say to the cold sailor? Don't worry, I've got you covered.
Like this card?
Play the game

Sources

  1. National Center for Cold Water Safety https://www.coldwatersafety.org/circumrescue-collapse
  2. NASBLA ESP TR 103-2022, Technical Report: Basic Boating Knowledge Core + Plus Power https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASBLA/76594a34-f3a1-4916-95ac-1e9c872170cc/UploadedImages/education/national-education-standards/ESP_TR_ESP_103_Core_Plus_Power_2022_06_01FINAL.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterHypothermia is medically defined as a core body temperature below what?Boating & WaterA person pulled from cold water shows no signs of life after a long time under. What should you do?Boating & WaterBelow what water temperature does the national boating education standard treat water as 'cold water'?

That's stuff everyone should know.