Avoiding Hypothermia on Wet Canyon Trails

How to Avoid Hypothermia on Wet Canyon Trails

Canyon walks can be some of the most stunning adventures in Australia – narrow slot canyons, hidden waterfalls, mossy walls, and that wonderful feeling of being tucked away in nature’s secret corridors. But canyons also come with unique risks, especially when it comes to cold and wet conditions.

Even in warmer months, canyon trails can stay shaded and damp. Throw in a swim through chilly water or an unexpected storm, and you’ve got the perfect setup for hypothermia – and it can hit a lot faster than most people expect.

So let’s talk about how to recognise the warning signs of hypothermia, how to avoid it in the first place, and what to do if someone in your group starts showing symptoms.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Once your core temperature drops below a certain point, your body starts to shut down basic functions to conserve heat. It’s more than just feeling cold – it can be life-threatening if not treated early.

In canyons, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly you can become dangerously cold, especially after swimming through a frigid pool or standing around wet in a shaded area.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

Recognising hypothermia early is key to preventing it from becoming serious. Here are the main signs to keep an eye on:

• Shivering that becomes intense or uncontrollable
  
  
• Cold, pale, or bluish skin
  
  
• Clumsiness or poor coordination
  
  
• Slurred speech or mumbling
  
  
• Confusion or difficulty focusing
  
  
• Fatigue or drowsiness
  
  
• Irritability or unusual behaviour
  (Sometimes people with hypothermia will act strangely or insist they’re fine when they’re not)

If someone stops shivering altogether while still clearly cold – that’s a red flag. Their body may have stopped trying to warm itself, which is a late-stage sign and requires urgent help.

How to Avoid Hypothermia in Wet Canyons

1. Wear the Right Clothing

Dress for the water and the air temperature. Even if the day feels warm, water in canyons can be icy cold.

• Avoid cotton – it holds water and sucks the heat from your body.
  
  
• Wear thermal base layers that stay warm when wet (merino wool is great).
  
  
• For canyon swims, consider a wetsuit or neoprene vest to keep your core warm.
  
  
• Always pack a warm dry layer (in a dry bag!) to change into after the wet sections.

2. Pack Smart

• Bring a compact emergency bivvy or thermal blanket.
  
  
• Pack a lightweight fleece or insulated jacket in a waterproof bag – even on day trips.
  
  
• A dry towel and extra socks can go a long way in helping you warm up.

3. Keep Moving

Standing around wet in the shade or wind is a fast track to getting chilled. Try to:

• Keep moving to generate body heat.
  
  
• Take breaks in sunny or sheltered spots whenever possible.
  
  
• Encourage your group to layer up as soon as you stop moving – don’t wait until you feel cold.

4. Stay Dry When You Can

If you’ve just finished a swim section, change into a dry top layer and wring out your clothes as much as possible. Even just putting a dry fleece over a wet base layer can help retain warmth.

What to Do If Someone is Showing Signs of Hypothermia

If someone in your group starts showing early symptoms:

1. Stop and act quickly – don’t wait to see if it gets worse.
   
   
2. Get them dry – change out of wet clothing and into dry, warm layers.
   
   
3. Warm them gradually – focus on the core (chest, neck, and head), not hands or feet.
   
   
4. Use body heat – if you’re comfortable doing so, share warmth by wrapping up together in a sleeping bag or emergency blanket.
   
   
5. Give warm, sweet drinks – if the person is fully conscious, warm sugary drinks (not alcohol or caffeine) can help their body generate heat.
   
   
6. Avoid rapid rewarming – don’t use hot water bottles directly on the skin or try to heat limbs quickly, as this can cause cold blood to rush back to the heart.
   

If the person’s condition worsens, they become unresponsive, or stop shivering entirely – call emergency services. In remote areas, this is where having a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is vital.

Final Thoughts

Canyoning is an amazing experience, but it pays to be prepared. Wet and shaded environments can bring on hypothermia even when the day starts out warm and sunny. With a bit of planning and awareness, you can keep your group safe and still enjoy everything these stunning places have to offer.