December 30, 2009
VIHA – Many celebrate New Year’s Day with a Polar Bear Swim, however, participants in the annual ritual should take extra care to guard against hypothermia.
The Vancouver Island Health Authority offers the following tips to ensure a safe swim:
-
If you have known heart disease or any other serious medical condition you should consult with your family physician before taking the swim.
-
Don’t drink alcohol prior to the swim as alcohol accelerates hypothermia.
-
It is recommended you not stay in the water for longer then 15 minutes. Body heat is lost 30 times faster in water than in air.
-
Keep your outer clothing on until you are ready to get in the water.
-
Remember that children are more susceptible to hypothermia than adults.
-
Hypothermia is particularly threatening to the very young and the elderly. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control. If symptoms occur, get medical assistance immediately. Hypothermia can progress to a life threatening condition where shivering stops, the person loses consciousness and cardiac arrest can occur.
For more safety tips, visit our website at: http://www.viha.ca/health_info/health_tips/
– 30 –
Contact:
Stephen May
VIHA Communications
250 519 1815 |
|