Hypothermia: A Cold And Warm Water Hazard

You can feel perfectly fine one minute, then suddenly your hands stop working, your teeth chatter, and panic strikes—that's hypothermia creeping in. Knowing what does hypothermia mean, and recognizing hypothermia symptoms early can keep you alive out on the water.

We will explain the definition of hypothermia and how to stop it from ruining your watery experience. If you just want to get right to the point, go get yourself a Surf-fur Waterparka and make sure you wear it before and after immersion in water (any water below 75 degrees can cause hypothermia) and even in between swims or dives to rewarm.

Hypothermia claims the lives of roughly 25,000 people each year in the United States. If you are going to be enjoying nature and all her elements, especially the cold seasons, you should know the basic signs & symptoms of hypothermia, as well as how to prevent & treat it should it occur. Learn what are causes of hypothermia and tips on how to treat the shivers if you do become exposed.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing dangerously low body temperature. Normal human core body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). Hypothermia sets in when the core temperature falls below 35°C (95°F), which isn't much of a drop! In hypothermia temperature, your body stops working as it should, and if left untreated, it can lead to death.

Hypothermia in water temperature is especially dangerous because water absorbs heat from your body much faster than air. The body loses heat about 10 times faster in water than in air of the same temperature. This means even 50-degree water can quickly lead to hypothermia if you're not properly prepared.

Hypothermia is often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold water. When exposed to these elements, your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system, and other organs can't work normally. Acute hypothermia is caused by rapid heat loss, often due to sudden immersion in cold water, while chronic exposure to cooler environments causes gradual cooling. 

If left untreated, hypothermia can eventually lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and to death. For instance, being plunged into freezing seas, around 20 percent of victims die within 2 minutes from cold shock—which includes uncontrolled rapid breathing, gasping, massive increase in blood pressure, and panic. Another 50 percent die within 15–30 minutes from cold incapacitation (inability to use or control limbs), and exhaustion and unconsciousness cause drowning, claiming the rest within a similar time.

Causes of Hypothermia:

• Cold Water Temperature: Cold water below 70°F (21°C) acts as a rapid heat absorber, causing the body to lose warmth 10 times faster than in air of the same temperature. Water temp for hypothermia is critical—anything below 70°F can quickly lead to symptoms of hypothermia.
  
• Wind Chill Factor: Wind speeds up heat loss by removing the insulating layer of warm air you have around your body, and increases evaporation of water off the surface, which is also called evaporative cooling. This would be the opposite of rewarming!
  
• Wet Clothing: Wet or damp clothing, especially cotton, cools the body as it loses its insulating ability, allowing cold to seep in. Wet clothing is one of the most common causes of hypothermia, as it accelerates the process significantly.
  
• Immersion Duration: The more time spent in cold water, the higher the hypothermia risk. Even brief exposure can be perilous, especially in icy waters. How long does hypothermia take to set in? It depends on water temperature and exposure, but in extremely cold water, it can set in within minutes.

Hypothermia vs. Hyperthermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing dangerously low temperatures (below 95°F/35°C), often from cold water or air. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and unconsciousness. In contrast, hyperthermia happens when the body overheats, raising the temperature above 100.4°F/38°C, typically due to hot environments or excessive physical activity. While both are life-threatening, hypothermia requires warming, and hyperthermia calls for cooling the body down.

Recognizing Early Signs of Hypothermia

Knowing what is one of the first symptoms of hypothermia is crucial. Minor hypothermia symptoms may seem harmless, but they escalate quickly. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, numbness, pale skin, slurred speech, confusion, fatigue, and impaired movement. Rapid identification of these clinical signs of hypothermia is paramount, as prompt action can prevent worsening. Ignoring symptoms can lead to unconsciousness and death.

This is how fast hypothermia can occur in various environments:

If you're surfing in cold water, you need to be aware of these timelines as well. The water temp for hypothermia can be much colder than you think—50-degree water is still capable of causing hypothermia if you're not properly prepared.

What's the Difference Between Cold & Warm Water Hypothermia?

Recognizing the distinctions between cold and warm water hypothermia is crucial for safety. While cold water hypothermia is well-known, warm water hypothermia presents a hidden danger, especially in warm climates.

Cold Water Hypothermia:

Cold water poses the most significant and common threat of hypothermia because of its ability to sap body heat rapidly. Immersion in cold water causes a significant drop in core body temperature, muscle stiffening, and hypothermia hands, which means impaired use of the hands. The symptoms begin with cold shock, followed by cold incapacitation, and ultimately, unconsciousness. As the body loses heat, muscle control weakens, making it challenging to swim or move around easily. It's almost as if you are moving through syrup.

Warm Water Hypothermia:

Warm water hypothermia may seem counterintuitive, but it's a real danger. It occurs with prolonged exposure to water even a few degrees below our normal body temperature. Water measuring below 95 degrees will cause the body's core to drop to unsafe levels and begin the process of slow hypothermia. Surprisingly, high air temperature, prolonged immersion in warm water, and lack of awareness can all contribute. Symptoms may include shivering, confusion, muscle cramps, slurred speech, and drowsiness. The key takeaway here is that the process is way slower than cold water hypothermia, but it still has all the same symptoms.

How to Prevent Hypothermia

Preparedness and prevention are your best allies in avoiding the dangers of hypothermia, whether you're in cold or warm water environments. Remember, just because the water is warmish, it doesn't mean you are completely safe from the dangers of low slow cooling.

Safety Guidelines for Cold and Warm Water Activities:

1. Wear a wetsuit that fits well: One that is too big will let a lot of water in and could drag you down. One that is too tight will constrict your blood flow and cut off circulation to your extremities, leading to frostbite if the blood flow is cut off and the skin is exposed to the cold for a prolonged period. Booties, gloves, and hoods made with neoprene also help with the cold.
   
2. Never venture into cold water alone: Use the buddy system and, when possible, carry communication devices like radios or cell phones for emergencies.
   
3. Learn basic water rescue techniques: Have rescue equipment accessible, such as ropes, PFDs, and throw bags.
   
4. Appropriate clothing pre- and post-swim: Wearing synthetic and wool fabrics are superior to cotton as they provide better insulation when wet and dry (think Surf-fur). Some synthetic fabrics, such as polypropylene and polyester, are used in clothing designed to wick perspiration and water away from the body (think Surf-fur again). Clothing should be loose-fitting, as tight clothing reduces circulation.
   
5. Covering the head: Contrary to common folklore, heat loss from the head is no more significant than from other uncovered parts of the body. However, it's still a good idea to wear a hat or other insulating headgear, especially in colder conditions.
   
6. Warming devices: Applying warming devices externally, such as a heating blanket, can be helpful. Blasting the heat in the car is always my favorite way to reheat before a cold session.
   
7. Active core rewarming: Involves drinking warmed fluids, irrigation of body cavities with warmed fluids, and wearing a windproof warm parka or blanket made from synthetic materials.
   
8. Hydration: Stay hydrated and avoid excessive exposure to the sun or cold. Even in warmer waters, dehydration can occur, leading to an increased risk of hypothermia.
   
9. Recognize Early Signs of Warm Water Hypothermia: Be aware of signs like confusion, muscle cramps, and nausea in warm water, as they may indicate warm water hypothermia.

How to Diagnose & Treat Hypothermia

Understanding the signs of hypothermia early and knowing how hypothermia victims should be treated is critical to saving someone's life. Here's your comprehensive guide:

Recognize Symptoms:

Watch for signs like shivering, confusion, slow movements, numbness, and pale skin. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia vary depending on its degree, and may be divided into the stages of hypothermia:

• Mild - Symptoms of mild hypothermia include shivering, increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, and pale skin. These are all physiological responses to preserve heat.
  
• Moderate - As body temperature drops further, shivering becomes more violent, and muscle mis-coordination becomes apparent. Movements are slow, labored, and stumbling. The person may appear alert but confused.
  
• Severe - At very low temperatures, the person's pulse and breathing rates decrease significantly. Muscle coordination is impaired, and the individual may become irrational or unconscious.
  

Immediate Actions to Take When Hypothermia is Suspected

• Get the person out of the cold or water and into a warm, dry environment to halt further heat loss.
  
• Strip off wet clothes and replace them with dry layers to prevent continued cooling.
  
• Warm the person by wrapping them in blankets and applying heat packs to their chest, neck, and groin. Avoid sudden heat exposure.
• In hospitals, hypothermia medical treatment may include warmed intravenous fluids (100–113°F), oxygen, and careful temperature monitoring.
  

Duration And Recovery

How long does hypothermia last? Mild cases resolve with warmth and hydration within hours. Severe cases can take days or weeks under medical supervision.

If untreated, how does hypothermia kill you? By organ failure, cardiac arrest, or respiratory shutdown triggered by low core temperature.

By adhering to basic safety measures, staying vigilant, and using proper gear like Surf-fur, you can significantly reduce the risk of hypothermia in both cold and warm water environments. Always remember: Preparation and awareness are the two most important factors in staying safe on the water.

Final Thoughts

Hypothermia is a serious hazard whether you're surfing, swimming, or just out in the cold water for a long time. By staying prepared, keeping an eye out for early symptoms of hypothermia, and using the right gear, you can prevent the worst from happening. If you're in cold water environments, gear up with the best protection, like Surf-fur products, so you can enjoy your time in the water safely. Keep your core warm and stay vigilant, and you'll keep those hypothermia symptoms at bay.