Wear Your Life Jacket; Hypothermia; How Hypothermia Affects Most Adults - Mustang Survival HIT MD3157v02 Manuel De L'utilisateur

WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET

In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims were
not wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Most fatal
accidents happen on calm sunny days. This inflatable life jacket is
much more comfortable to wear than other life jacket types. Get into
the habit of wearing this life jacket.
Non-swimmers and children especially should wear a hybrid or non-
inflatable life jacket at all times when on or near the water.

HYPOTHERMIA

Prolonged exposure to cold water causes a condition known as
hypothermia – a substantial loss of body heat – which leads to
exhaustion and unconsciousness. Most drowning victims first su er
from hypothermia. The following chart shows how hypothermia
a ects most adults.

HOW HYPOTHERMIA AFFECTS MOST ADULTS

Water Temperature
˚C (˚F)
0.3 (32.5)
0.3–4 (32.5–40)
4–10 (40–50)
10–16 (50–60)
16–21 (60–70)
21–27 (70–80)
over 27 (over 80)
Life jackets and PFDs can increase survival time because they allow
you to float without using energy treading water, and some life
jackets and PFDs provide insulation. Naturally, the warmer the water,
the less insulation you will require. When operating in cold waters
(below 15.6°C [60°F]) you should consider using a Category 4 life
jacket as they are designed to provide more thermal insulation.
Exhaustion or
unconsciousness
Under 15 min.
15–30 min.
30–60 min.
1–2 hrs.
2–7 hrs.
2–12 hrs.
Indefinite
Expected Time of
Survival
Under 15–45 min.
30–90 min.
1–3 hrs
1–6 hrs.
2–40 hrs.
3 hrs. to Indefinite
Indefinite
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