Utah DOR Press Release
Salt Lake City, Nov. 27, 2024 – The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) and the Utah Division of State Parks are reminding recreators of the dangers of cold water immersion as winter sets in, urging the use of safety gear and precautions to stay safe. Cold water shock, incapacitation, and hypothermia are all risks as water temperatures drop, making it essential to wear a life jacket at all times.
Ty Hunter, DOR’s boating program manager, emphasized the importance of wearing a life jacket, stating that even strong swimmers can be overwhelmed by cold water. Accidental immersion can quickly lead to hypothermia, so it is crucial to be prepared and follow the 1:10:1 principle – 1 minute of shock, 10 minutes of movement, and 1 hour of survival time.
Safety tips provided include wearing a life jacket, dressing for the water temperature, planning ahead, practicing controlled breathing, and staying with your boat if it capsizes. The key message is to be prepared for the unexpected and always wear a life jacket to increase your chances of survival. For more information on cold water safety, visit recreation.utah.gov or stateparks.utah.gov.
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