Two personal flotation devices (PFDs) have been placed under each end of the Main Campus bridge to help with emergency rescue. These projectile, type IV flotation devices are designed to be grasped and held by the user until rescued. Each provides enough buoyancy for users to hold their heads out of the water. They are 36 inches in diameter and are attached to an 80-foot life line.
Important Facts about Type IV PFDs (personal flotation devices)
- Can be thrown to someone within 80 feet
- Not for an unconscious or exhausted person
- Not for non-swimmers or children
- Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water
Cold Water Survival Facts
- When you're in cold water, don't swim unless you can reach a nearby boat or land. Swimming lowers body temperature.
- Water temperature, body size, amount of fat, and movement in the water affect the speed of hypothermia (see table below).
- Pull yourself onto a floating object if available. The more your body is out of the water, the warmer you will be.
- Keep your head out of the water to lessen heat loss and increase survival time.
- With the flotation device on, get into a crouched position to conserve heat.
How Hypothermia Affects Most Adults
| Water Temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) |
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness |
Expected Time of Survival |
| 32.5 |
Under 15 minutes |
Under 15 to 45 minutes |
| 32.5 to 40 |
15 to 30 minutes |
30 to 90 minutes |
| 40 to 50 |
30 to 60 minutes |
1 to 3 hours |
| 50 to 60 |
1 to 2 hours |
1 to 6 hours |
| 60 to 70 |
2 to 7 hours |
2 to 40 hours |
| 70 to 80 |
2 to 12 hours |
3 hrs to indefinite |
| Over 80 |
Indefinite |
Indefinite |