MNZ Welcomes Int'l Cold Water Expert
A visiting international expert in cold water survival will have potentially life-saving advice for New Zealanders taking to the water this summer, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) says.
Professor Michael Tipton is Professor of Human &
Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, UK, and
the co-author of the book Essentials of Sea Survival – a
comprehensive guide to open water survival.
He is in
New Zealand this week giving two addresses on the effects of
cold water immersion – something he has studied for more
than 25 years.
MNZ Manager Recreational Boating Jim
Lott says Prof Tipton has revolutionised our understanding
of why people can die so quickly in cold water, long before
hypothermia sets in.
“This is an area which Prof
Tipton has explored for more than two decades. The shock of
sudden cold water immersion can have a paralysing effect on
the human body and is often the cause of death following a
boating accident.
“Prof Tipton has not only studied
the science of these effects, but also researched practical
ways people can increase their chances of survival once in
the water. In a country like New Zealand, where thousands
take to the water every year, this information could be key
to saving lives.
”Prof Tipton has also done a lot of
work in the development of lifejackets which can lengthen
survival times for those who find themselves in the
water.”
Mr Lott says Prof Tipton will be giving two
addresses, to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in
Auckland, and to the Water Safety New Zealand Conference, in
Wellington, this week.
Coming at the onset of the
summer boating season, Prof Tipton’s visit has drawn
interest from water safety agencies, recreational boaties,
commercial fishermen, search and rescue personnel as well as
the wider public.
“We can all learn a lot from Prof
Tipton’s years of research. We think his visit will
provide much of interest for all New Zealanders to think
about.”
Prof Tipton will be speaking at the Royal
New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland on 24 November, and
will then act as keynote speaker at the Water Safety New
Zealand conference in Wellington on 26-27
November.
ENDS