The National Weather Service and the National safe boating Council
will partner for the National safe boating week may 18-24. The week
will highlight relevant weather and safety-specific public service
announcements for the recreational boating public. Today's topic
focuses on hypothermia.
Hypothermia is a condition in which the body core temperature drops
below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body
functions... which is defined as 95 degrees fahrenheit. If exposed to
cold... the internal mechanisms are unable to replenish the heat that
is being lost... and a drop in core temperature occurs.
As body temperature decreases... characteristic symptoms occur such
as shivering and mental confusion. Heat is lost more quickly in
water than on land. Water temperatures that would be quite
reasonable as outdoor temperatures can lead to hypothermia.
A water temperature of fifty degrees fahrenheit often leads to death in
one hour... and water temperatures hovering at freezing can lead to
death in as little as fifteen minutes. Water at a seemingly warm
temperature of seventy nine degrees fahrenheit... after prolonged
exposure... will lead to hypothermia.
This message was brought to you by the National safe boating Council
and the National Weather Service... reminding you that safe boating
week is may 18th through may 24th.
