TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2020//
TI  - Increased winter drownings in ice-covered regions with warmer winters
JO  - PLoS one
A1  - Sharma, Sapna
A1  - Blagrave, Kevin
A1  - Watson, Simon R.
A1  - O'Reilly, Catherine M.
A1  - Batt, Ryan
A1  - Magnuson, John J.
A1  - Clemens, Tessa
A1  - Denfeld, Blaize A.
A1  - Flaim, Giovanna
A1  - Grinberga, Laura
A1  - Hori, Yukari
A1  - Laas, Alo
A1  - Knoll, Lesley B.
A1  - Straile, Dietmar
A1  - Takamura, Noriko
A1  - Weyhenmeyer, Gesa A.
SP  - e0241222
EP  - e0241222
VL  - 15
IS  - 11
N2  - Winter activities on ice are culturally important for many countries, yet they constitute a high safety risk depending upon the stability of the ice. Because consistently cold periods are required to form stable and thick ice, warmer winters could degrade ice conditions and increase the likelihood of falling through the ice. This study provides the first large-scale assessment of winter drowning from 10 Northern Hemisphere countries. We documented over 4000 winter drowning events. Winter drownings increased exponentially in regions with warmer winters when air temperatures neared 0°C. The largest number of drownings occurred when winter air temperatures were between -5°C and 0°C, when ice is less stable, and also in regions where indigenous traditions and livelihood require extended time on ice. Rates of drowning were greatest late in the winter season when ice stability declines. Children and adults up to the age of 39 were at the highest risk of winter drownings. Beyond temperature, differences in cultures, regulations, and human behaviours can be important additional risk factors. Our findings indicate the potential for increased human mortality with warmer winter air temperatures. Incorporating drowning prevention plans would improve adaptation strategies to a changing climate.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1932-6203
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241222
ID  - ref1
ER  -