Merely touching cold water or being partially submerged probably will not elicit the cold shock response. But when someone plunges into cold water very suddenly—such as if they fall from a cruise ship—it can trigger this involuntary response by the human body.
There are many different aspects of the cold shock response that can be potentially life-threatening. This includes a loss of breathing control, declining mental ability and potential issues with blood pressure or heart rate. But perhaps the most dire symptom is that the sudden submersion can cause a person to involuntarily gasp as their body tries to draw more air into their lungs.
Why this can be a fatal response
The problem is that a person who has been submerged underwater may gasp and inhale even a small amount of water. This can jumpstart the drowning process. Under ordinary circumstances, that person may be a strong swimmer who could spend hours in the water without trouble. But if they inhale water, then the time they have could be cut down to mere minutes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that this often happens in situations where help is not immediately available. The person may have been involved in a boating accident or something of this nature. As soon as they begin to struggle with breathing, the loss of oxygen makes it harder for them to swim and stay above water, and there is no one around to provide immediate assistance. That person will be fighting for their life from the moment they touch the water, and it could result in significant injuries or even a fatal drowning.
Have you lost a loved one in a tragic accident at sea? If so, take the time to carefully consider all of the legal options at your disposal.