Being in very cold temperatures without proper clothing is a significant risk for hypothermia. Add in alcohol consumption and the effects are even more pronounced. A person who is mildly hypothermic will see the loss of ability to do normal physical activities like zip zippers or walk without stumbling. There is also an impairment of mental ability as the brain cools such as slurred speech, disorientation, and sleepiness. Once a person becomes moderately hypothermic they will feel cold, but their shivering is weak or stopped. They will have little to no physical ability to care for themselves or perform physical tasks and have a substantially altered mental state It will be difficult for them to speak (i.e. call for help), they may feel apathetic or lethargic, they may seem confused, make odd decisions, and walking will be what some of us who have worked with SAR personnel have called “stumbling/bumbling” which can lead to falls, including into water. Combine the effects of alcohol intoxication with the effects of hypothermia and ending up in the water is not at all surprising, and so tragic. My heart goes out to this young man's family. May he rest in peace.
