S.W.A.P.S...

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Why are we talking about spring water safety?

• FLOODING!– Ice and snow are

melting.– More rain.– The ground is still

frozen and cannot absorb extra water.

– Fast moving water.– Water is cold - 0°C to

5°C

Where does flooding happen?

Rivers

Creeks

Streams Ditches

Wetlands

Lakes

Ponds

STAY AWAY!

What would you do?

• Call for help• Climb, walk, or run

out• Swim• Grab onto something

or someone

What will work?

• Call for help– Always a good idea…but will there be someone

around to help?• Climb, walk, or run out

– Will be difficult in fast moving water with icy banks• Swim

– Think about that cold fast moving water!• Grab onto something or someone

– Your muscles will not be working as well if you are very cold.

– You may pull your friend in with you.

The Best Solution….

STAY AWAY to STAY SAFE!

How cold is 0°C to 5°C?

• Tests– Colour Test– Temperature Test– Finger Tip Test– Snap Test

• Only put on hand in the water and hold it there for 30 seconds!

How cold is 0°C to 5°C?

• Tests– Colour Test

• Red or pink

– Temperature Test• Skin feels cold!

– Finger Tip Test• May be slower or more

difficult because of numbness and tingling

– Snap Test• May be slower or more

difficult because of numbness and tingling

Hypothermia

• Sets in within 5 – 10 minutes of being exposed to cold water

• Can be life threatening

• Signs:– Mumblies – brain function affected by cold– Stumblies – muscle function affected by cold– Grumblies – not a good situation to be in

STAY AWAYto

STAY SAFE