in Haute-Savoie, the prefect calls for vigilance
On this sunny Easter weekend, many of you are enjoying the region’s lakes. These are still very cold and the risk of drowning by hydrocution are “significant”, warns the prefect of Haute-Savoie.
The sun is shining this extended Easter weekend. Enough to make the bravest want to take a dip or enjoy lake activities.
But beware, the lakes are still very cold: that of Annecy is barely ten degrees this Saturday, April 16. Venturing into the turquoise waters of the lake is therefore not without danger. The risk of drowning by hydrocution isimportant“according to the prefect of Haute-Savoie.
Hydrocution corresponds to a sudden cooling which occurs most of the time following too rapid entry into the water when there is too great a difference in temperature between the skin and the water.
“This thermal shock can lead to unconsciousness in the water and lead to drowning“specifies the prefect of Haute-Savoie who affirms that some signs can precede hydrocution such as headaches, cramps, or even anxiety.
Several instructions must be followed to avoid hydrocution:
- Enter the water gradually, especially when exposed to the sun,
- Avoid excessive exposure to the sun,
- Avoid swimming after a heavy meal,
- Do not consume alcohol before and during swimming.