DeGRAY LAKE — As air temperatures warm during early spring, people are beginning to get out and about to enjoy the sunny weather. Warmer temperatures spawn people’s desire to take a dip in a pool or enjoy a day on the lake.
But what many people fail to realize is how cold the water still is, and what danger lurks in cold water.
Air temperatures are averaging about 70 degrees now as springtime blooms, but water temperatures are still in the upper-30s and mid-40s.
“Spring break is coming up, and people are drawn to water,” said Brian Westfall, natural resource specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “But many don’t realize how deadly it is.” A sudden plunge in cold water can quickly cause hypothermia, even if the swimmer is wearing a life jacket.
Westfall spoke of the “1-10-1 rule” that applies to hypothermia. It will take one minute for a swimmer to stabilize and get accustomed to frigid water. After 10 minutes, the swimmer will be totally exhausted and freezing. And, if he is not out of the water in less than one hour, he will be dead — “even with a life jacket on, and even if he is a good swimmer,” Westfall said. Most people who end up in the water “didn’t expect to be there.”
Hypothermia, known as “the chill that kills,” begins at a water temperature of 68 degrees, and as the temperature decreases the chance of dying “goes up — way, way up,” Westfall said.
For those who venture out onto water in a boat should take all the right precautions to make it home alive and well. Items that should be taken along include proper lifejackets and a “dry bag,” which can be hooked onto one’s person or boat. The dry bag should include a cell phone, First Aid Kit, car keys, a dry change of clothes, a space blanket, and perhaps matches, food and water in case you are stranded.
“The number-one concern other than wearing a life jacket is to get out of the water as soon as you can to call for help,” Westfall said.
An inflatable life jacket is a fairly new tool boaters and fishermen can wear without the bulkiness of a Type III vest. It fits without restricting movement, and automatically deploys once it hits the water. If it doesn’t, a manual switch or blow tube can be used to inflate it. Additionally, the vests are orange for rescuers to be able to better spot someone wearing one.
The average cost of such a life jacket is between $100-120, but Westfall says that is a small price to pay for one’s life. “How much is your life worth? When it comes down to your life, it’s a small price. $120 is $120 well-spent.”
Another good idea to prepare for an emergency is creating a float plan. Tell a reliable adult where you and your party are going, when you are going, when you will be back and who all will be there.
Marsh, Kelley awarded for water safety
Former Siftings editor Dan Marsh and Sherry Kelley, news manager and on-air personality for Noalmark Broadcasting Corp. in Arkadelphia, will receive awards of merits from the National Water Safety Congress, a board on which Westfall serves.
“They will be recognized for their long-standing commitment to water safety and getting people home safely,” Westfall said. “Because of the Siftings and the radio station, through live remotes, talk shows and public service announcements in Spanish and in English, people enjoyed a day on the lake and made it home alive at the end of the day.”
Marsh and Kelley will be recognized at Daytona Beach, Fla., at the International Boating and Water Safety Summit.
After 20 years, Westfall moved to another lake
Westfall began working with the Corps at DeGray on July 15, 1991. Now he is stationed at the Ouachita Project Management Office near Blakely Dam. The Corps moved him to that office on Nov. 20 and changed his title to community relations program manager for all the Arkansas lakes in the Vicksburg District, which includes DeGray, Greeson and Ouachita.
His main duties are to promote water safety partnerships at all three lakes through public relations and by working with the media. Westfall also helps conduct operations through budget, supervision and safety coordination for employees and visitors.
“These programs have been extremely successful and were made possible by community support,” Westfall said. “I felt it very important to say ‘Thank you for your support.’ There are almost too many people to thank.” Those he thanked included local media, Arkadelphia’s universities, Arkansas State Park at DeGray, Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Keeping DeGray Lake Beautiful, Entergy and all the communities in the area. He added, “Without the partners, we never would have been able to keep a clean lake and have a successful water safety program.”
The new natural resource specialist and outreach park ranger at DeGray is Renea Guin. Westfall said, “I see nothing but great things ahead with the partnership of the Corps and the community.”
Arkadelphia, Ark. —
