Post by Max on Oct 2, 2020 18:12:24 GMT
To start with let me make you aware, I would class myself as a confident, strong swimmer. I’ve swum in rivers, seas and oceans, love swimming and do not have any fear or anxiety in any body of water.
Recent years has seen me enjoy paddle boarding. I’ve had basic lessons which started in the ocean, since then I did it several more times in oceans as well as large inland lakes. As odd as it sounds I had never once fallen in, despite fully expecting to every minute I am stood up! And in no way was I bothered when it inevitably happened. That was my honest attitude, i had been amongst other who have fallen in whilst in close proximity – it is part of the general experience.
One cool, windy late early last summer whilst on a board in a large lake, I finally fell off.
i knew I was going in and was totally fine about it, no big deal.
BUT I was in for a shock!
Within a couple of seconds my breathing was out of my control completely, my body was literally gasping and I could feel my heart pounding. I had never experienced such feelings or reactions before and I can say it was a truly terrifying thing. I was wearing the usual life jacket but was unable to even swim towards my board, despite it only being about 10 feet away, it was a bit like being paralysed I imagine. There was nobody around me and I doubt I would have functioned well enough to have even managed to shout for help, my breathing was so out of control at that time. I basically tried to just tread water and I noticed after about a minute that my breathing was calming down a little bit, after two minutes I felt like it was almost back to normal. By now I was actually seriously unnerved, I swam to the board and was able to get back up and going….but with very shaky legs and a serious confidence knock.
When I got home I Googled the symptoms only to discover about Cold Water Shock and how it can occur and the physical reaction can affect anyone in water below about 15 degrees (it was about 12 I think) no matter their ability.
Intoxicated (generally) people jump/fall into rivers and sadly many die. The shock is paralysing so with 10 pints of beer inside you and no life jacket I am now not surprised they lose their lives. I just hope they are so drunk they are unaware and it is over quickly.
Just a tip now I know more…. you are experiencing a natural body response. If it happens to you try to put your head back, float and stay calm for a couple of minutes, if by then you have avoided drowning or a heart attack you should start to recover your breathing and be able to swim again.
Recent years has seen me enjoy paddle boarding. I’ve had basic lessons which started in the ocean, since then I did it several more times in oceans as well as large inland lakes. As odd as it sounds I had never once fallen in, despite fully expecting to every minute I am stood up! And in no way was I bothered when it inevitably happened. That was my honest attitude, i had been amongst other who have fallen in whilst in close proximity – it is part of the general experience.
One cool, windy late early last summer whilst on a board in a large lake, I finally fell off.
i knew I was going in and was totally fine about it, no big deal.
BUT I was in for a shock!
Within a couple of seconds my breathing was out of my control completely, my body was literally gasping and I could feel my heart pounding. I had never experienced such feelings or reactions before and I can say it was a truly terrifying thing. I was wearing the usual life jacket but was unable to even swim towards my board, despite it only being about 10 feet away, it was a bit like being paralysed I imagine. There was nobody around me and I doubt I would have functioned well enough to have even managed to shout for help, my breathing was so out of control at that time. I basically tried to just tread water and I noticed after about a minute that my breathing was calming down a little bit, after two minutes I felt like it was almost back to normal. By now I was actually seriously unnerved, I swam to the board and was able to get back up and going….but with very shaky legs and a serious confidence knock.
When I got home I Googled the symptoms only to discover about Cold Water Shock and how it can occur and the physical reaction can affect anyone in water below about 15 degrees (it was about 12 I think) no matter their ability.
Intoxicated (generally) people jump/fall into rivers and sadly many die. The shock is paralysing so with 10 pints of beer inside you and no life jacket I am now not surprised they lose their lives. I just hope they are so drunk they are unaware and it is over quickly.
Just a tip now I know more…. you are experiencing a natural body response. If it happens to you try to put your head back, float and stay calm for a couple of minutes, if by then you have avoided drowning or a heart attack you should start to recover your breathing and be able to swim again.