Surviving a Cold Water Fall: Tips for Hunters

When you’re out hunting from a boat, the thrill of the chase can sometimes lead to unexpected and dangerous situations. One of the most daunting scenarios is falling into cold water. It’s not like a splash in your backyard pool – the stakes are much higher. So, what’s the right move when you find yourself drenched in icy water? Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as just swimming to shore.

You might think that jumping into action by swimming toward land is your best shot. But let me explain why that might not be the best plan. When you hit that cold water, your body begins to lose heat rapidly. Swimming can actually increase your energy expenditure, which in turn, accelerates the loss of body heat.

So, what’s the golden rule here? Keep your clothing on to trap heat. Yep, you read that right! It sounds counterintuitive, especially when you might feel like stripping down to get free of the water. But remember, clothing—especially wet clothing—can trap a layer of water against your body, which warms up with your body heat and provides some insulation. Every bit of heat matters, and every second counts when you’re in cold water.

Let’s look at the other options. Swimming too fast or too much can tire you out quicker than you might expect. Instead of curl-marching yourself right onto land, your energy is better spent huddling in a ball (literally!) or floating if you’re able to. That’ll help conserve energy while maintaining warmth. Here’s the thing: you might also want to avoid removing your clothing entirely—it might feel liberating, but you're actually losing the insulating properties your wet clothes provide. On top of that, your natural buoyancy helps keep you afloat, reducing the amount of energy you’d waste trying to stay above water.

Now, if the water is freezing, hypothermia can creep up before you realize it. Stay calm and try to keep movement minimal to preserve as much heat as you can. Look for options to signal for help, and if you've got any floats or cushions on your boat, grab those to aid in buoyancy.

In some cases, wearing life jackets while hunting from a boat is also a phenomenal way to add that extra layer of safety. It’s just a smart choice – boating and hunting go hand in hand, but we’ve got to be responsible while enjoying the outdoors.

Remember, being prepared means knowing how to respond when things don’t go quite as planned. This is where firearms safety education comes into play – it's invaluable not just for your equipment, but for your well-being.

So, next time you're out scouting for game from your boat, be sure to keep these cold-water strategies fresh in your mind. They might just save your life or that of a fellow hunter. Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the hunt!