In article ,
Marc Heusser d
wrote:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSafety/TP/TP13822/menu.htm

From the conclusions:

....
Even a lifejacket, if not worn properly or without a spray hood, does
not guarantee the victim protection from drowning.
....
Even with rescue resources on scene when the people went into the water,
the shock of the cold water and period of time these people were in the
water proved significant in this casualty.
....
*From all the combined research on cold water accidents and scientific
research, it has become clear that sudden immersion in cold water, i.e.
below 15°C is very dangerous, it should be avoided if at all possible.
Furthermore, a conscious decision to swim (and rescue oneself) or stay
floating still in the water should not be taken lightly without
assessing the pros and cons. It has now been shown that a person¹s
swimming ability in warm water bears no relationship to that in cold
water.
....
Wherever possible, entry into water below 15°C should be avoided. Direct
entry into a life raft should be the objective.
....

So the old saying that you should never leave a boat unless it leaves
you is still the essence - and having a spare "boat".

HTH

Marc

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