Abstract

As an initial step to a broader study of the disorientating effects of cold water immersions on top class competitive canoeists a survey was made of the incidence of hazardous immersions amongst a majority sample of the better canoeists in the country. Respondents viewed the winter capsize seriously. Despite their familiarity with the conditions in which they trained all 85, recalling their capzise experiences, reported being concerned, most (79) only modestly so, but a significant proportion (21) confessed to feelings of extreme alarm. A number of marked physical symptoms that regularly attend on acapsize were widely reported, the most usual of which was severe pain in the forehead (89) and breathing and speaking difficulties when afloat (64). Additionally 62 reported sensory problems including visual difficulties, dizziness and disorientation. Five canoeists admittedfainting. Despite these hazards few preventive measures were taken and clothing with negligible thermal insulation properties was commonly worn. It is concluded that transient cold immersions can be disturbing, and can disorientate the canoeist, but thatalthough conscious of this and to his own potentially high cost, he takes little notice of it in his desire to compete successfully. Verf.-Referat