BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Capsizing and person overboard emergencies are incredibly dangerous situations. Add cold air and/or cold water temperatures to the equation and the the level of danger increases dramatically. Performing a quick rescue is the MOST important thing to remember if one of your passengers falls into cold water. Why? Because their body will lose heat 25 times faster than it would if it were only exposed to cold air, making them unlikely to be unable to assist with their own rescue. Responding quickly will be especially important if the person overboard is struggling in the water (as most do) because the physical exertion will cause their body to lose heat 35 times faster.