Cold Immersion Video

Good thing to post.   Looking at those people shaking makes me think twice about my outfit.   I think it also probably matters how active you've been just before falling in - if you've been pretty motionless and slowly getting colder and colder, and then fall in, that's trouble. 
     I recall summer nighttime sail boat races on SF Bay  where I was bundled like an Eskimo and realized I was just gradually getting colder because I hadn't moved much for a half hour or more, though I was tired as well.   
 I keep a surfing bonnet ("squid lid") on board my kayak and use it on the really cold, wet or windy days.
   

Safety first

Great video,since the water here is 55 degrees. With the weather around 55 to 65 degrees. We need to make sure we are ready for the swim. Extra benefits would warmer in the spray

Wow, very informative! Can the admin sticky this video?

Thanks for posting - this isn't the first time this has been posted and shouldn't be the last.
Should be mandatory viewing for anyone venturing in NorCal waters.

Yes, everyone should watch & remind each other time to time!

Awesome video. Safety awareness is paramount

Thanks for sharing. I’ll wear my life jacket and wetsuit this time of year!

How do the open water swimmers do it? There's been a big increase in people swimming in the bay without wetsuits and they do it all winter. Lots are out for over 30 minutes, go a mile or more, and don't seem to have any problems. Escape from Alcatraz is a good example.

One suprising thing when your body hits real cold water is for you to have a real hard time catching your breath. You need to tell yourself to relax and catch that first breath.
Easier said than done because your body is in a little bit of a shock with such a drastic drop in temperature.

I told a first time kayaker this info and yes, he did get thrown out of the kayak in 57 degree water. He took my advise and remembered to relax and got his first clearing breath in a few seconds.

Yes I mm quite an expert at falling out of kayaks since like flying, I can stall out in any configuration,  and get thrown from my kayak, Have done it way too many times, and have become proficient at recovery; thus my screen name! I am such a clutz, but I fall out a lot since I have nerve damage of all my extremities

Thanks for posting such an informative video.

Thanks for dragging this video up. Informative, worth watch it.

A fantastic eye opener for sure.
I really apreciate this one.

In SAR, we have pulled several bodies out. Not one was wearing a PFD. Wear them!!!

In SAR, we have pulled several bodies out. Not one was wearing a PFD. Wear them!!!

This group as a whole, does. We also advocate for it. Check out the threads on safety