S.W.A.P.
S... pring
W.. ater
A…wareness
P…rogram
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?
Ponds
Lakes
Rivers
STAY AWAY!
Creeks
Wetlands
Streams
Ditches
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 AWAY
to
STAY SAFE