This Video Could Save Your Life
Now, odds are there are not going to be a ton of frozen ponds here in west Texas. But that does not mean you shouldn't know what to do in case you fall in one.
Water does not have to be that cold for your body to experience cold water shock.
Cold-water shock is the first stage of the sudden and unexpected immersion in water. It is believed that cold water shock actually kills more people every year than hypothermia.
And to experience cold water shock, the water only needs to by 59 degrees. Muscle spasms and hyperventilation are almost instantaneous.
It is not easy to do but the first step when falling into cold water is to control your breathing.
Once your breathing is under control, you will most likely be inclined to try and lift yourself out of the icy water. This is not the right move. The pressure of you lifting yourself out will more than likely break the ice and you'll be back to where you started.
What you need to do is lay your arms out flat, as seen in the video below, lift your legs behind you, and start kicking so you slide out of the water.
Now like I said, you most likely will not see frozen lakes near here I don't think. But you may one day go on a trip where you may have to cross one.
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