Topic: Water Skiing in cold water/adjusting to weather changes
Concepts: Students will understand how water temperature and
weather affects their water activities.
Skills:
1. Students will be understand when a wet suit is necessary.
2. Students will be able to identify consequences of cold water on
the skier
3. Students will understand how the weather dictates their activities.
Lesson Activity:
Weather:
As a rule, students should avoid skiing when the water is rough due
to high winds. Choppy water demands a greater skill level and causes the
skier to fatigue more quickly, often because the tow boat cannot maintain
a constant speed. Skiing in the rain is not recommend because of the loss
of visibility experienced by the boat operator.
Cold Water:
The most important part of skiing in cold water is a wet suit, but
preferably a dry suit. The two differ in the way that a wet suit allows
water into the suit but insulates and warms it once it enters. A dry suit
does not allow any water in because it has rubber seals that fit snugly
around the neck, wrists, and ankles. Gloves and a water proof hat are also
key elements to the equipment needed for water skiing in cold water. Keep
in mind that all this gear on makes it easier to tire.
The two key effects to be aware of when water skiing in cold water
are hypothermia and frostbite.
Hypothermia:
One of the biggest things students need to watch out for in cold water
skiing is hypothermia. Hypothermia is a general cooling of the entire body.
The inner core of the body is chilled so the body cannot generate heat
to stay warm. In cold conditions, the body will concentrate on keeping
the torso warm and put less emphasis on getting blood to the extremities.
Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. Also, the winter months bring winder conditions than normal, creating a wind chill factor. The winder it is, the faster the heat is conducted away from the body. The can cause the body temperature to drop quickly. More information about this is available from Behind The Boat magazine on the wind chill table. The boat online magazine gives a graphic representation of the relationship between ambient air temperature and wind velocity.
Things to be aware of when acknowledging a person is suffering from hypothermia are: impaired motor skills, pale skin, drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech and uncontrollable shivering. If these symptoms are evident take measures to reduce heat loss. If an extra change of dry clothes is available have the person change into them immediately. If no change is available, cover the person completely with other means of layers like towels, sweatshirts, etc. Have the person move around to increase blood flow to warm the body.
Give the person non-caffeinated, hot liquids, sweets, carbohydrates, and proteins. Put the person in front of a heat source. Share the body heat of other people on board by grouping together under towels.
Frostbite:
The second biggest thing to watch out for in cold water skiing is frostbite.
This is the freezing part of the body. It is distinguishable by the hard
pale, and cold quality of the skin that has been exposed to the cold over
an extended period of time. The area is likely to be numb, although there
is probably a sharp, aching pain. The hands, feet, nose, and ears are most
vulnerable to frostbite.
The first sign of frostbite is a prickling sensation and is followed
by numbness and hardening of the skin. Once this occurs, shelter the victim
from the cold and wind and remove any wet clothing. Do not rub the affected
area ~ unless you can keep the frostbitten area warm. Refreezing can cause
further tissue damage. Huddle up with other people on the boat to share
body heat.