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At Safer at Work, we pride ourselves on delivering practical, real-world training tailored to high-risk environments, equipping your workforce with the skills and confidence they need to navigate workplace hazards effectively.
When the work environment involves water—especially the open sea—being prepared isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. In this blog, the Safer at Work team explores the challenges of sea survival, focusing on one of the most dangerous hazards - cold water shock. By understanding what happens when you enter icy water and knowing how to respond, you can dramatically increase your odds of survival in an emergency. So, let’s dive in...sorry, couldn’t resist.
Understanding the Threat: Cold-Water Shock
Cold Water Shock is the body's initial reaction to sudden immersion in cold water. Within seconds, the shock can cause:
Gasping: The bodies natural response to entering cold water is to gasp for air, which can lead to water entering the lungs and increase the risk of drowning.
Rapid breathing: Rapid and uncontrolled breathing can lead to panic/hyperventilation.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: As the body’s blood vessels close together to conserve heat it increases blood pressure and strains the heart, leading to a risk of heart failure or stroke.
Cognitive impairment: cold water shock, quite understandably, can cause panic, fear and stress. It becomes hard to think clearly and make decisions.
Loss of swimming ability: As muscles cool, strength, endurance and muscle control decrease making it difficult to swim.
Why It Matters in the Workplace
For professionals working at sea—whether on offshore platforms, fishing vessels or maritime transport—understanding Cold Water Shock is critical. An accident leading to sudden immersion in cold water can occur in seconds, and your immediate physical response can be fatal if not managed correctly.
Preparing for the Worst: Prevention and Training
1. Safety Gear
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): Always wear a certified life jacket. Modern designs include features to help delay the onset of hypothermia.
Thermal Protection: Immersion suits and transfer suits provide insulation and extend survival time in cold water.
Emergency Signalling Devices: Ensure that you have access to emergency beacons or flares.
2. Training
Survival Techniques: Learn how to manage the gasp reflex, adopt a survival swimming position and stay calm.
Team Coordination: Effective communication and rescue techniques are vital when working in remote or hazardous maritime conditions.
3. Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Hazard Identification: Identify areas and tasks where there's a risk of accidental immersion.
Emergency Protocols: Develop and maintain clear procedures for rescue, including immediate steps after cold water immersion.
Regular Equipment Checks: Ensure all safety gear is maintained and ready for use. This includes testing life jackets, checking the condition of suits and verifying that all signalling devices are operational.
Responding in the Moment: What to Do if Immersed
Even with the best preparation, emergencies can happen. Here’s a quick guide on what to do if you find yourself immersed in cold water:
Stay Calm: When you panic it accelerates the shock response. You need to take slow, controlled breaths.
Exhale Slowly: Focus on slowing your breathing to manage hyperventilation/panic.
Adopt the HELP Position (Heat Escape Lessening Position): Draw your knees to your chest and cross your arms to protect your core and reduce heat loss.
Signal for Help: If you’re conscious and capable, use your signalling devices i.e. flares, whistles, etc. to alert nearby rescuers.
Conserve Energy: Minimise movement and avoid unnecessary swimming to conserve body heat until help arrives.
Final Thoughts
Working at sea carries unique risks that demand specific knowledge and skills. By prioritising safety training focused on sea survival, employers not only comply with regulations but also adopt a culture, where every employee is prepared for the unexpected.
Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. Continuous education, rigorous training and proper equipment checks ensure that when faced with the cold sea, you and your team are ready to survive and thrive.
Stay safe!
You can see the full availability of our Sea Survival course here.
If you require your full offshore safety training to work in the wind industry, take a look at our Offshore Basic Safety Package, or if you require Refresher training, our GWO Offshore Basic Safety Refresher Training Package may be for you.
Need GWO Enhanced First Aid rather than basic GWO First Aid? Then our GWO Offshore Enhanced Safety Package, or the Refresher Package if you already hold the training, may be what you are looking for.
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