Cold water shock is a real risk: an average of seven people drown in Lake Tahoe every year due to cold water shock.
Cold water shock occurs when the body enters extremely cold water and the muscles lock up, resulting in temporary paralysis. Cold water shock doesn’t care how fit you are, or how strong of a swimmer you are, Tahoe’s cold waters will paralyze you and you will drown. Period.
Tahoe’s water is generally warmer in summer, but upwelling events, where cold water from deep in the lake rises to the surface, can happen at any time and are more common out in the middle of the lake. Because of the large temperature difference from sitting in the sun to jumping into an Alpine lake, cold water shock can happen at any temperature.
Lake Tahoe is wider than it looks, and deeper than you can imagine. Drownings are not always due to solo excursions; there are usually other people around, but the body shuts down so quickly that they cannot be rescued. Wearing a life vest at all times is the best way to protect yourself from cold water shock.
By law, all boaters on Lake Tahoe must have a life vest with them at all times while on the lake. Children under 13 years old must be wearing their life vest at all times. These laws save lives. Adults are recommended to wear their life vests at all times as well.
Facts About Cold Water Shock:
- The first stage of cold water shock can last up to three minutes.
- Cold water shock is most prevalent in water temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can occur in any temperature.
- Within 15 minutes in cold water, blood flow decreases to the extremities in an effort to preserve heat at the core. You will lose movement of legs and arms and will be unable to stay afloat unless you are wearing a life vest.
- Breathing rates can increase by 10 times during cold water shock.
- 55 percent of all open water drownings occur within 10 feet of safe refuge.
- 66 percent of people who drown in cold water are regarded as strong swimmers.
Paddle Boarding? Paddle With A Plan!
- The first stage of cold water shock can last up to three minutes.
- Cold water shock is most prevalent in water temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can occur in any temperature.
- Within 15 minutes in cold water, blood flow decreases to the extremities in an effort to preserve heat at the core. You will lose movement of legs and arms and will be unable to stay afloat unless you are wearing a life vest.
- Breathing rates can increase by 10 times during cold water shock.
- 55 percent of all open water drownings occur within 10 feet of safe refuge.
- 66 percent of people who drown in cold water are regarded as strong swimmers.
