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Article: Thaw is upon us, but swimming is still dangerous; A warning from someone who lost a loved one to cold water: Stay out until it warms up.(NEWS)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- April 6, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Matt McKinney; Staff Writer
Ice will soon melt on Minnesota's lakes, but safety officials warned Saturday to remember the silent peril of cold water: It can cause drownings because the body reacts differently than it does in warmer water.
A person plunging into cold water might reflexively take a quick inhalation of breath, even if underwater, making it difficult to resurface. Cold water also slows muscle movement, limiting the ability to swim in as little as three minutes. The reminder comes each year from the state Department of Natural Resources. This year, for the fourth time, it also comes from Ron Jacobson, whose grandson drowned on April ...