36% of drownings occurred in May last year - BOATERexam provides essential advice for surviving in cold water

QUÉBEC, May 10, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Every year, the spring is particularly fatal in the boating world. Statistics show that 36% of all drownings happen in May, when the water is especially cold. Considering this information, the BOATERexam Team wants to raise the public's awareness of the dangers of cold-water immersion.

"From the first minute, the person goes into shock. Between 3 and 30 minutes after the immersion, the person rapidly loses his or her ability to move and swim," explained Robert Dupel, spokesperson for BOATERexam. In cases of cold-water immersion, drowning is often due to an inability to swim rather than to hypothermia.

Prepare yourself:

• Correctly distribute loads in the craft and avoid overloading it.
• Take weather conditions into account.
• Avoid standing in the craft.
• Wear your personal floatation device (PFD). It helps keep your head above water and allows you to take a fetal position to maintain your body temperature. It's almost impossible to slip on your PFD once you've fallen into the water.

React:

In the event you capsize:

• Try to get back on board the craft. If that's impossible, keep most of your body outside the water.
• If you're in a group, huddle together. This position helps conserve heat and makes it easier to locate you.

In the event you need to rescue someone:

• Remove the person from the cold source and bring them to a dry location.
• Remove their wet clothing. Avoid rubbing or massaging the surface of their body or extremities. Wrap the person in blankets.
• Give them a warm non-alcoholic beverage and seek medical assistance, if needed.

About BOATERexam.com
BOATERexam.com educates boaters via two online training platforms. This dynamic online course intended for powercraft operators lets you have fun while you learn and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Over one million boaters have been certified since 2000 by putting their trust in BOATERexam.com, a Transport Canada-approved course provider.

SOURCE examenBATEAU.com

For information or interviews, or to schedule on-water demonstrations: Anne-Marie Roy, Masse, T: 418-845-6344 / 844-845-6344, C: 581-938-8343, @:[email protected]