Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Cold shock (the involuntary gasping when you hit cold water) is different from hypothermia (the combination of constriction of the extremities blood vessels and the gradual reduction of core body temperature).
It is typically cold shock in water temps below 45 degrees that kills even the most capable swimmers. Loss of manual dexterity leading to incapacitation due to hypothermia is next.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.