02/05/2026
Cold Water Shock โ The Facts
The term โcold water shockโ refers to a range of natural reactions that our bodies take to protect us when we enter cold water (although these reactions can sometimes work against us). And with cold water being anything from approximately the temperature of a swimming pool and below, we are not just talking about icy cold water here.
So what are the effects of Cold Water Shock?
There are three stages that your body goes through during cold water shock, starting with one that you will be familiar with a mild version of from getting into the swimming poolโฆa gasp for breath, this is then followed by rapid breathing (hyperventilation).
At the same time as your breathing goes out of control, your blood pressure shoots up as your body tries to keep your blood warm by moving it towards the middle of your body (this is why you go pale when youโre cold).
Once your breathing is back under control, this is your window to get out of the water before the further effects of cold water shock kick in.
As your muscles cool, your strength, endurance and muscle control reduces to the point when you canโt swim any longer so canโt rescue yourself. The point at which you canโt swim any more is called โswim failureโ, and if you havenโt got out of the water or managed to get hold of a buoyancy aid (like a lifejacket) by this time, you will drown.
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