Media Advisory: Coast Guard to hold cold-water survival demonstration, Annapolis, Md.

Media Advisory

Oct. 25, 2018 U.S. Coast Guard 5th District PA Detachment Baltimore Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Baltimore Office: (410) 576-2541 After Hours: (757) 202-3429 PA Detachment Baltimore online newsroom

Media Advisory: Coast Guard to hold cold-water survival demonstration, Annapolis, Md.

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard has scheduled a cold-water safety awareness event, featuring an in-water demonstration on cold-water survival, showcase of different types of life jackets, and will provide tips on how to increase chances of survival in cold water at Coast Guard Station Annapolis, Tuesday.

WHO: Coast Guard active duty and Auxiliary members
WHAT: Cold-water safety demonstration and presentation
WHERE: Coast Guard Station Annapolis; 3425 Thomas Point Rd, Annapolis, Md. 21403
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 at 9 a.m. (media to arrive no later than 8:30)

In the month of April 2018, there were four back-to-back fatalities related to cold water, and one survivor who was wearing his life jacket and utilized a sound signaling device.

With the waterfowl and striped bass seasons taking place in the winter and spring months, the Coast Guard aims to inform the public of the dangers of cold water, and how to prevent and react to an incident.

Water temperatures below 70 degrees are considered dangerous. Roughly 20 percent of people who fall into cold water die within the first minute due to cold-water shock. Muscle control begins to deteriorate within 10 minutes of cold-water exposure, making it extremely difficult to swim or stay afloat without a life jacket. Taking preventative measures, having the right gear and appropriately reacting to a situation can save a person’s life.

Media interested in attending should contact the Coast Guard public affairs office in Baltimore at:
(410) 576-2541
ncrpublicaffairs@uscg.mil

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