Drowning is often associated with summer activities, but the risk persists throughout the year, particularly in winter. Factors like cold water shock, unpredictable weather, and recreational activities on frozen water bodies can increase the likelihood of winter drownings. Understanding these risk factors for drowning is crucial for improving awareness and prevention efforts.

Inadequate General Safety Awareness and Preparedness

Many winter drowning incidents result from a lack of awareness about seasonal hazards and inadequate safety preparedness. People often assume that winter activities are inherently safer than summer ones, but this misconception can lead to life-threatening situations. Essential safety measures include:

• Wearing proper gear. Insulated, waterproof clothing and life jackets can help protect against hypothermia and increase survival chances.

• Using the buddy system. Never venture out onto ice or engage in winter water activities alone.

• Carrying emergency tools. Ice picks, whistles, and waterproof communication devices can make a critical difference in an emergency.

Cold Water Shock: A Silent Killer

Cold water shock is one of the leading causes of drowning during winter months. When an individual is suddenly submerged in cold water, their body undergoes an involuntary gasp reflex, increasing the risk of water inhalation. This reflex, combined with rapid heart rate changes and restricted blood flow, can cause disorientation and impair the ability to swim or call for help.

Water temperatures below 60°F (15°C) significantly increase the likelihood of cold water shock, even for strong swimmers. Wearing a life jacket and other safety gear (such as a wetsuit), swimming or wading with others, and gradually entering cold water can help to minimize this risk.

Climate Change, Unstable Ice, and Recreational Activities

Frozen lakes and rivers are popular spots for winter recreation, such as ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling. However, unstable ice poses significant threats to ice fishing safety, as one example, and increases the likelihood of unsafe skating on thin ice. Thin ice (ice less than 4 inches thick) is unsafe for human activity. Yet because ice conditions can vary dramatically due to fluctuating winter temperatures, it can be difficult to assess whether the surface is safe to walk or skate on without proper tools.

Unstable ice is a worsening problem in the northern US, Canada, and northern European countries because of ongoing climate change hazards and the popularity of ice-based recreation. Climate change has led to warmer winters, which in turn create unpredictable ice conditions. Inconsistent freezing patterns result in weaker ice formation and an increased risk of accidental falls through thin ice. Additionally, warmer temperatures may encourage more people to engage in outdoor activities, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Experts recommend checking local weather forecasts and other reliable resources that provide guidance on winter safety and ice conditions. Staying informed can help reduce the risk of unintentional drowning.

King Tides and Rogue Waves

Winter also brings dangerous ocean conditions. Rogue waves can occur during any season, and king tides tend to occur on the West Coast in the late fall and winter. These extreme tidal events can create massive waves that sweep individuals off shorelines, piers, and rocky outcrops. In November 2024, for example, an Oregon woman was nearly swept out to sea by a rogue wave during a king tide.

To stay safe, experts advise maintaining a safe distance from the water’s edge, avoiding coastal areas during king tides, and never turning your back on the ocean.

Alcohol and Risky Behavior

Alcohol consumption is another major risk factor for drowning. In winter as at any other time, alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents during activities like ice fishing or snowmobiling. It can also exacerbate the effects of hypothermia, further reducing an individual’s chances of survival if they fall into cold water. 

Alcohol is involved in a significant percentage of drowning incidents, emphasizing the need to avoid alcohol consumption before engaging in outdoor activities near water.

Lack of Immediate Rescue Resources

In winter, rescue efforts are often hindered by harsh weather conditions, reduced visibility, and the remoteness of some locations. Delayed response times can significantly increase the risk of fatal drownings.

To mitigate this, communities can invest in better training and equipment for rescue teams and educate the public about self-rescue techniques. If you’re heading out to ice or bodies of water this winter, be sure to create a personal safety plan and prepare for emergencies.

Prevention Is Key

Drowning prevention in winter requires a combination of awareness, preparation, and respect for the unpredictable nature of cold weather and water. By understanding the unique risks posed by cold water shock, unstable ice, king tides, and changing climate patterns, individuals can make safer choices and reduce the likelihood of tragic accidents.

Help Prevent Drowning This Winter

Understanding the psychology of drowning helps explain why quick, silent drownings happen so often, even to experienced swimmers. Panic is the brain’s natural response to fear but it can be deadly in water, particularly in conjunction with cold water shock and the specific water risks of winter. By learning to minimize risks and how to react in an emergency, we can all play a part in reducing water-related tragedies.

Together, we can end the heartache of losing a loved one due to drowning. Take our Water Safety Challenge to measure your family’s or community’s water safety competence, and help us provide water safety outreach to schools and community groups to keep everyone safe.