Many people can recover fully from superficial frostbite. New skin will form under any blisters or scabs. However, some people may have permanent problems that can include pain or numbness in the frostbitten area.

If the frostbite is superficial, new pink skin will form beneath the discoloured skin and scabs. The area usually recovers within 6 months.

If the skin tingles and burns as it warms, your circulation is returning. The skin may turn red, but should not blister or swell. If the skin does not seem to warm, if it remains numb, or if it does blister or swell, seek immediate medical attention. Frostbite requires emergency medical care.

In general, when the wind chill is 32° and above, it’s safe to be outside. In temperatures 13° to 31°, indoor breaks should happen every 20-30 minutes. For wind chills of 13° and below, you should move activities indoors and outside of the cold as frostbite can set in very quickly.

Generally, a person can survive in 41-degree F (5-degree C) water for 10, 15 or 20 minutes before the muscles get weak, you lose coordination and strength, which happens because the blood moves away from the extremities and toward the center, or core, of the body.

1. Stay calm.
2. Let your winter clothes act as a buoy.
3. Turn back toward the direction you came from and use the solid ice to pull yourself out of the water.
4. Stay horizontal on the ice. Don’t stand up too soon.
5. Warm up, quickly and carefully.

What is Cold Water?

• You should treat any water temperature below 70F with caution.
• 70-60F (21-15C) Dangerous.
• 60-50F (15-10C) Very Dangerous/Immediately Life-threatening.
• Below 40F (5C) Very Dangerous/Immediately Life-threatening.