Understanding Cold Water Shock key to a safe and enjoyable summer on Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Every summer we hear it more than once - a boater, a paddler, a swimmer has died in Lake Tahoe. Wouldn't it be nice if we never had to hear it again?

Through education, that is a possibility.

"Swim Smart, Swim Safe: know the dangers of cold water" is the message that came from the agencies responsible for boating and water safety on Lake Tahoe in 2016 and it is never a message that should go away.

Lake Tahoe drowning incidents from boating, paddling, and swimming often shares the same cause, "cold water shock," an involuntary gasp reflex caused by sudden immersion in cold water. Swimmers and boaters suddenly exposed to the cold waters of Lake Tahoe may experience rapid breathing, gasping, fainting, muscle failure, and immediate risk of drowning.

Lake Tahoe’s temperatures are on the colder side at the beginning of the summer, ranging between 50 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Although these temperatures will continue to rise to 65 – 75 degrees as the days get hotter, keep in mind that symptoms of cold water immersion can occur at water temperatures as warm as 77 degrees.

An average of seven people dies in the cold water of Lake Tahoe every year.

Most of the drownings on Lake Tahoe happen in minutes or even seconds. The best way for boaters, paddlers, and swimmers to stay safe is to always wear a life jacket. Even if a boater or paddler does not expect to enter the water, they should prepare for the unexpected.

A kife jacket will save your life if you get into trouble on the lake. The fatal accidents seen by first responders can be avoided.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) has free jackets for kids and adults to loan to the public. All three fire stations have a supply.

"We are making a concerted effort to prevent all the drowning’s that we had last year," said SLTFR Chief Clive Savacool. "2020 was a record year for drownings yet we have never recovered a body wearing a life jacket."

There are four stages to cold water immersion:

Stage 1: Initial Cold Shock
Sudden immersion into cold water can cause immediate, involuntary gasping for air, panic, and vertigo as well as create changes in your body's blood pressure and heart rate. The sensation of taking your breath away can result in panic and inhalation of water and drowning. If you do fall in or enter the cold water, attempt to get control of breathing and try not to panic. Focus on floating with your head above water, until the initial cold shock phase passes.

Stage 2: Short-Term Swim Failure
Swim failure occurs anywhere from 3-30 minutes following the initial cold water shock. In this phase, the muscles and nerves in the legs and arms will begin to cool quickly, causing strength and movement to drop significantly. This stage of cold water immersion can render a strong person unable to pull themselves out of the water or keep their head above the water.

Stage 3: Long-Term Immersion Hypothermia
Hypothermia sets in after 30 minutes of cold water exposure, depending on the water temperature; as cold water causes the body to lose heat 25 times faster than cold air. Hypothermia is a cooling of the body’s core temperature caused by active heat loss and the failure of the body to produce more heat. Recognize signs of hypothermia to help identify its early onset: shivering slurred speech; cold and blueish lips, skin, and fingernails; loss of feeling in extremities; confusion; dizziness and rigidity in extremities.

Stage 4: Post Immersion Collapse
Post immersion collapse can occur at any point. Your body is still in danger while being rescued from cold water or after. Cardiac arrest after cold water immersion occurs due to the collapse of the arterial blood pressure. Along with hypothermia, possible water in the lungs due to inhalation, or coagulation issues due to cold and thickened blood.

To have a fun, safe time on the water, practice simple “dos” and “don’ts” such as making sure to wear a personal flotation device at all times and if you’re operating a boat, ensure there are life jackets for every passenger aboard. Don’t jump off large rocks into deep water, as this runs the risk of increased cold water immersion and trauma-based off the height of your jump.

Some tips to stay safe on Lake Tahoe include:
-Never swim alone.
-Tell a friend or file a "float plan" before boating, swimming, or paddling.
-Check the weather for wind conditions http://www.weather.gov/ before going out.
-Know your swimming limitations and always wear a life jacket when boating.
-Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-Never jump into cold water and always prepare for accidental immersion.

Boaters are required to carry a life jacket for every person on board any boat, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and rafts. Children 12-years-old and younger are required to wear a life jacket on a boat at all times, unless in an enclosed cabin.

If renting a boat, know all of the safety rules to make your day on the lake an enjoyable one for everyone on board.