Hot Weather and Cold Water :Avoiding Hypothermia

With forecasts predicting summer-like temperatures of 80 degree weather, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is reminding the public of the dangers associated with swimming in water bodies this time of year. Currently, water temperatures in Massachusetts lakes and ponds are in the 40’s and 50’s, while ocean temperatures remain in the 40’s. Swimming in such cold water, even in short periods of time, can quickly cause hypothermia in the human body.

“After such a long winter season, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is ecstatic to have people from all over the Commonwealth having the opportunity to get outside and enjoy our state parks and other natural resources,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “With the start of warmer air temperatures, it is important that we all use caution near water bodies, particularly this time of year, when cold water temperatures can be detrimental to one’s safety.”

Hypothermia can set in at approximately 15-30 minutes in 32.5-40 degree water temperatures, and 30-60 minutes in 40-50 degree water temperatures. Additionally, cold water robs the body of heat 32 times faster than cold air, can cause the body to experience muscle spasms and cramps, and can cause the body to go into shock and begin hyperventilating. If you or someone you are with were to fall into a water body, it is extremely important to not panic, and to conserve energy to avoid exhaustion and unconsciousness.

Symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering; dizziness; nausea; increased breathing; difficulty in speaking; confusion; diminished coordination; fatigue; and an increase in heart rate. Furthermore, it is important to note that the DCR starts guarding major coastal and inland beaches weekends only on Memorial Day Weekend. Beaches will not be guarded seven days a week until June 16, 2018. Those who choose to swim at a location where a lifeguard is not on duty, do so at their own risk.