Courtesy/Tim Palmer/Oregon State University Press

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With temperatures in Northwest Oregon expected to climb above 90 degrees this week and a heat advisory issued, it might seem tempting to take a dip in one of the many local rivers or lakes, but experts say even when the air is hot, cold water can pose serious danger.

Besides water temperature, rivers and streams can have deceptively strong currents, especially in the spring and early summer as mountain snowmelt flushes into waterways. Before you decide to go for a swim, consider the following safety tips,

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You may be tempted to jump into our local rivers and lakes over the next couple of days as a way to get some temporary relief from nature's heat lamp. Unfortunately, water temps at many locations are still cold 🥶 so keep that in mind if you plan on "jumping in for a quick dip". pic.twitter.com/HU50s92frp — NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) June 9, 2019

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How cold water affects the body

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Danger from cold water can come in many forms. It could be a sneaker wave that unexpectedly washes over a beach, a strong gust of wind that tips a canoe or a slippery log over a rushing river.

However it happens, immersion in cold water can hit you like a punch in the gut.

When you jump (or wade or fall) into a cold body of water, your body reflexively gasps. It can feel a bit like you’ve gotten the wind knocked out of you. After that initial gasp, the respiratory system will quickly shift into rapid breathing and experts say you have roughly 60 seconds to get it under control.

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“If breathing isn’t controlled immediately, the possibility of drowning drastically increases,” according to the weather service. “Many people hyperventilate, faint and drown before they are able to calm down their breathing.”

If you’re able to stabilize your breathing, you have about 10 minutes of submersion before you begin to lose muscle control. If you somehow find yourself in cold water for an hour, that’s when hypothermia kicks in, which can cause violent shivering, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. It should be noted, though, most water deaths happen long before you have a chance to become hypothermic.

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PLEASE keep in mind that it's still too cold to swim in our local rivers. Temps below 70 degrees is still considered very dangerous. #orwx @KOINNews pic.twitter.com/p9ErQGazjy — Kelley Bayern (@KelleyKOIN) June 10, 2019

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What can you do?

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Allison Milligan/The Oregonian

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Part of being prepared is knowing that anytime you're around cold water, you could end up in cold water.

If you plan to be out in a boat, always wear a life jacket. If you're going out on the ocean, make sure you have an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon in case something goes wrong.

If you know you're going to be in the water, make sure you have the proper gear, whether that be a wetsuit, drysuit or full survival suit.

Let people know where you're going and for how long you'll be gone.

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What to do if you end up in the water

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So, the unthinkable has happened and you’ve unexpectedly ended up in frigid water. What comes next?

After the initial shock wears off, try to stay calm and evaluate the situation. If you can get out of the water, do so as quickly as possible. The longer you stay in cold water, the more danger you face.

If you can’t get out immediately, look for anything that will help you stay afloat. Get as much of your body out of the water as possible. If there is somewhere nearby you can swim to safely, do so, but don’t swim aimlessly. You’ll waste energy and deplete your body heat.

If you’ve got nowhere to swim to and are facing the unenviable situation of waiting for assistance, get into the Heat Escape Lessening Position, also known as the HELP position. Bring your knees to your chin and keep your arms at your side while keeping your head above water. If you’re not alone, huddle together with the other folks in the water.

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Brent Wojahn/The Oregonian

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If you’re with someone who is suffering from the effects of cold-water immersion, the first thing you should do is call 911. If you can, move the person to a warm location and check their breathing. Dry them off and strip off any wet clothing before wrapping the person in blankets. Be careful not to warm them too quickly, though, as abrupt changes in temperature can cause heart arrhythmias. Make sure to focus on their core temperature, in the torso and abdomen, and not the extremities. Trying to warm someone’s hands and/or feet first can put the person into shock.

Summer is a beautiful time in Oregon and one of the best parts of the year for exploring all nature has to offer. It’s also a time when cold water seems inviting, but can be very dangerous.

With a little preparation, caution and foresight, you can stay dry, warm and safe as temperatures climb.

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-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048

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