INTRODUCTION Norway is subjected to harsh winters. Drowning after falling through the ice is an ever present risk. Water safety therefore, must include safety on the ice, exposure to cold water and how to exit the water under such circumstances. Activity on the ice of the lake and cold water exposure has been incorporated into the curriculum of Vingrom Elementary School. The school itself is located just 800 meters from the lake, increasing the exposure of pupils, necessitating the inclusion of knowledge of cold water exposure in their curriculum. METHODS The Grade 7 pupils participating (N=18) were involved for the first time and had no previous experience with this exercise. The exercise was performed while fully clothed in winter clothing. A questionnaire was developed which explored the students anticipation of discomfort before entering cold water and their perception of discomfort after experiencing cold water. On six questions, the subjects were asked to rate their response from 0 to 10, giving a maximum score of 60, exploring their subjective reaction. With the assistance of the Fire Department of Lillehammer, a hole was chopped through the ice, measuring ca. 3 X 8 meters. The water temperature was 0° C. The Fire Fighters provided all necessary safety measures in cooperation with the project coordinator (the lead author). The pupil in action was provided with traditional ice picks which were worn around the neck for easy access. A rope was fastened around the waist after which they entered the water, swam 6-8 meters, turned 180°, returned to the starting point and exited the water with the assistance of the ice picks. A lavvo (large tent) was provided where the students could change into dry clothing and regain their warmth. The before questionnaire was administered shortly before the exercise and the after questionnaire immediately after the exercise while the pupils changed to warm clothing. The scoring system allows a comparison of before and after. RESULTS Using the scoring system described above, the mean before score was 37.6/60, and the mean after score was 53.8/60. The results clearly showed anxious anticipation prior to entering and the expression of satisfaction after the exercise. A typical reaction was that it was easier than anticipated. DISCUSSION The subjective assessment of the students reactions to cold water suggests that the task employed produced a positive and appropriate change in their relationship to ice safety and cold water.
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