![]() You splash as fast as you can, but no matter what you do, for those first few lengths, the pool’s water just feels freezing. ![]() Behind you, a clock ticks down towards the swim practice’s official beginning, and you know, in a few seconds, your momentarily warm and humid environment will transform into a swirling, weightless world of cold water. Before you is a pond, a lake, a sea, an ocean of competitive waters. Handle the person with care, perform CPR and try to warm the person until medical aid arrives.You stand on the gutter’s edge, staring into the blue abyss. Severe hypothermia can cause unconsciousness or a lack of breathing or pulse. If you cannot get medical help right away, warm the person up by going into a warm room, removing cold clothes, giving them a warm beverage, electric blanket and layers of clothing, towels or sheets. If someone has these side effects and has a temperature below 95 degrees, the CDC says to get medical attention immediately. The center has buoys throughout Puget Sound and could give you the life-saving information you need before heading out to swim.īeing in cold water can cause hypothermia, which produces warning signs of exhaustion, shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and confusion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To check water temperature before heading to the beach, the National Data Bouy Center collects data regularly from buoys across the country to show water temperatures, wind speed, air temperature and other information at the buoys' locations. A surface measurement would not be totally accurate. Keep in mind that water temperatures decrease as water depth increases. ![]() LakeMonster, a current lake conditions website also provides current lake temperatures across Washington state.įinding the water temperature where you want to swim can also be as easy as bringing a thermometer, according to Utah State University. Knowing the temperature of a lake, pool or ocean can be simple to determine before diving in. The National Centers for Environmental Information says there is no optimal water temperature for swimming, but most people like to swim in 70-78 degree water, as it is usually the most comfortable.īut swimming in water 70 degrees or below could result in hypothermia even in the summer, as "the body quickly surrenders its heat to cold water and chilled blood can impair the heart and brain," the Centers for Environmental Information states.Ĭold shock does not only occur in freezing water, but can be just as dangerous in waters between 50-60 degrees, the weather service states, and breathing problems that can result in drowning can also occur in water around 77 degrees.ĭuring the warm summer weather, many don't realize just how cold the water can still be. The risk of swimming in cold water is extreme, causing officials to plead with Washingtonians earlier this summer to stay out of the water to reduce the risk of hypothermia, even during a heat wave. Wearing a life jacket can be life-saving during cold shock or hypothermia and give rescuers enough time to get to you in the water, and is highly recommended even for strong swimmers. "Cold shock" can change our heart rate, blood pressure and breathing dramatically, increasing the risk of drowning even for strong swimmers. Master Swimming website states, and can make even healthy individuals experience muscle spasms in the water.Ĭold water drains body heat about four times faster than being in cold air, according to the National Weather Service, and can cause "cold shock" once your body is in cold water. Swimming in water that is too cold, especially under 64 degrees, also increases the risk of cardiac arrest, the U.S. swimming in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure," the website states. ![]() "Hot water can cause a rapid decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness or loss of consciousness. Masters Swimming, a non-profit membership program for master swimmers. Alyse Messmer-Smith / The Bellingham HeraldĪs summer heat finally reaches Washington state, many are heading to nearby lakes, oceans and pools to beat the heat.īut before diving into the water, knowing if the temperature is safe is highly important, as if water is too cold or too hot it can cause health issues.Īlthough the water temperature may feel refreshing, it could be changing your blood pressure, according to U.S. ![]()
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