Canadian Boating Practice Exam

What is one of the major risks of cold water immersion?

1. Immediate sunburn

2. Drowning and boating-related fatalities

3. Increased appetite

4. Sudden ability to swim fast

The correct answer is: Drowning and boating-related fatalities

One of the major risks of cold water immersion is the high likelihood of drowning and boating-related fatalities. Cold water immersion can cause a number of dangerous physiological responses, such as hyperventilation, increased heart rate, and muscle cramps. These responses can result in a loss of coordination and control, making it difficult for individuals to swim and increasing the risk of drowning. The other options, immediate sunburn, increased appetite, and sudden ability to swim fast, are not major risks of cold water immersion and are therefore incorrect. While immediate sunburn and increased appetite may be possible side effects, they are not the primary danger associated with cold water immersion. And the idea of a sudden ability to swim fast in cold water is a myth - in fact, the cold water and associated physiological responses can actually impair one's swimming abilities. Therefore, it is important to remember the major risk of drowning and bo