Cold Water Survival

Cold Water Survival

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Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about getting information from a text.
A person who finds him or herself in cold water should not remove any clothing, except for a heavy item such as an overcoat.
 
A person wearing a life jacket can increase survival time by using the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP). This is where the knees are bent and drawn towards the chest, and the arms are pressed firmly against the sides of the chest. This position delays heat loss by protecting the most vulnerable areas: the head, the sides of the chest, and the groin.
 
In rough, cold water, an average swimmer without a life jacket should not swim a distance greater than one-tenth of his or her swimming ability. If the swimmer is close to the wreckage of a boat, he or she should attempt to climb onto the boat and should maintain warmth by tucking themselves into a ball.
 
The 'huddle' position is based on the same principle as the HELP position and was developed for groups of three or more people. The sides of the chest, the groin, and the lower body are pressed together. This formation is particularly useful if small children are involved, as they can be supported, protected, and warmed in the centre of the group.
 
If swimmers must stay in deep water without a life jacket for a long period, they should remain as still as possible, conserving energy and, if possible, staying in a tucked position. As the bodies core temperature drops, it will become increasingly difficult for swimmers to make sensible decisions. Purposeful muscle movements (e.g., swimming or holding onto a boat) become difficult, and people may be unaware of their situation.
 
A person with a extremely low body temperature (hypothermia) must always be handled very gently and re-warmed slowly. If the person is conscious, do the following:
  • Remove the person from the water.
  • Shelter him or her from the wind and rain immediately.
  • Create a sheltered, warm, dry place.
  • Remove wet clothing and wrap the person in blankets, space blankets, or a sleeping bag.
  • Huddle together for warmth so body temperature can rise gradually.
  • Give the person warm, sweet drinks.
  • Seek medical aid.
Do not do any of the following:
  • Apply excessive external heat (e.g., fire or an electric blanket) to the person's body.
  • Massage the person's arms and legs.
  • Give them alcohol.
  • Move them.
Source: Teaching Swimming and Water Safety, Aust Swim, 2001. (Text amended and abridged.)
 
person with life jacket huddling in the water             group of people with life jackets huddling in the water
 
 
Read the article and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1Change answer

a) Write the three areas of the body for which the "Help" position assists in delaying heat loss.
     

Question

b)  Imagine your boat has capsized in rough sea conditions and you are by the boat and 200 metres from shore. What would be the best thing to do? 

    • Try to swim to the shore

    • Climb onto the capsized boat

    • Adopt the "Help" position

    • Call for help 

Question 1Change answer

c)  Complete the questions using the information contained in the article.
i)  Two advantages of the "huddle" position are:
1.
2.

Question 1Change answer

ii) Two key things to do if you are in deep cold water without a lifejacket are:
1.
2.

Question 1Change answer

iii) As hypothermia sets in two effects will be noted. These are:
1.
2.
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online (with some auto-marking).
Copyright: 
Acknowledgements
Teaching Swimming and Water Safety: the Australian way/contributors John Hammer [et. al.] illustrated Mary Ann Hurley and Azoo design. Courtesy Champaign, II:Human Kinetics 2001 (Sports Distributors NZ).
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
English, Making meaning, Reading
Key Competencies: 
Thinking
Keywords: 
article, comprehension, retrieve, locate information
Description of task: 
Students read an article on cold water survival and retrieve information from this text.
Curriculum Links: 
Links to the Literacy Learning Progressions for Reading:
This resource helps to identify students’ ability to:
  • locate and summarise information and ideas 
as described in the Literacy Learning Progressions for Reading at: http://www.literacyprogressions.tki.org.nz/The-Structure-of-the-Progressions.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Acquiring and using information and ideas in informational texts, sets 5-7
within the Reading Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (05/2003)

a)
  • Head
  • Sides of chest
  • Groin

very easy

b)

B (Climb onto the capsized boat)

very easy

c)

i) Any 2 of:

  • Bodies can be pressed together for warmth.
  • It is good for three or more people.
  • It is the best position if small children are involved. 

ii) Any 2 of:

  • Remain as still as possible.
  • Adopt a tucked position. 

iii) Any 2 of:

  • Decision-making will be impaired and you may be unaware of dangers.
  • Muscle movements will become more difficult.

2 correct - moderate

1 correct - very easy

 

2 correct - moderate

1 correct - easy  

 

2 correct - difficult

1 correct - easy