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Spring Heat Makes Water Activities Tempting, But Cold Water Can Be Very Dangerous | The Weather Channel
Exposure to cold water can result in hypothermia, cold shock and death.
How long can a person survive in cold water?
Water TemperatureExpected Time Before Exhaustion or UnconsciousnessExpected Time of Survival
(°F)(°C)
32.5°0.3°< 15 minutes45 minutes
32.5–40°0.3–4.4°15 – 30 minutes30 – 90 minutes
40–50°3.3–10°30 – 60 minutes1 – 3 hours
50–60°10–15.6°1 – 2 hours1 – 6 hours
60–70°15.6–21.1°2 – 7 hours2 – 40 hours
70–80°21.1–26.7°3 – 12 hours3 hours – indefinite
> 80°> 26.7°IndefiniteIndefinite
Minnesota's inland lakes and streams are generally colder than 70° F in winter and spring. Water this cold always presents the danger of hypothermia. Surface water temperatures in western Lake Superior rarely exceed 70° F. Lake Superior's average surface temperature is about 40° F (4° C).
Survival depends to some extent on...
Individual Differences: swimming ability, body size and build, cold tolerance, shivering response, body fat, alcohol levels
Behavioral Response: psychological makeup, will to live, activity, posture
Technological Factors: clothing, flotation aides
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