Float First: An Index of Floating: Factors Affecting Floating in Different Populations

Overview

The study involves measurements of body composition using a DEXA scanner, lung function, buoyancy and floating technique. An understanding of the effects of physiological and anthropometric measures on an individual's ability to float may lead to the creation of a 'Floatability Score' to aid current public information. With this floatability score a set of actions that people of certain body types should adopt in water will be created, to tailor the current public safety messaging in an attempt to ensure more people are aware of how they can float in water

Between 2000 and 2013 an average of 425 people in the UK drowned per annum, and a reported 100,000 people were involved in water-related emergencies involving search and rescue services. Approximately half had not intended to go into the water. Research identifies that in the first 1-3 minutes of immersion, during the "cold shock response" (CSR), there may be an increased probability of drowning fatalities. As a result of this, a theme of 'Float First' was created whereby individuals are advised to float for 1-3 minutes following immersion (by undertaking the minimum amount of activity possible to maximise the amount of air trapped in clothing layers and hence creating additional buoyancy) until the effects of the CSR have declined. However, a number of people have come forward indicating that despite the advice given, they are unable to float. This study is designed to establish the minimum activity level a person needs to stay afloat and combine this with anthropomorphic and physiological measures to develop advice for people of different shapes, sizes and body compositions.

Conditions