Cold Water Environments

Cold water environments, where the temperature is less than 70° Fahrenheit can lower your core body temperature, potentially resulting in hypothermia which could lead to permanent health issues or even death.

In water that is 32.5° Fahrenheit, you could become exhausted or unconscious in less than 15 minutes, and your expected survival time is from under 15 minutes to 45 minutes.

For 50° to 60° Fahrenheit water, your expected time of survival is between 1 to 6 hours.

Factors such as water temperature, body size, body fat, and movement in the water all affect cold water survival. PFDs can help you stay alive longer in cold water, since you use less energy, and protect part of your body from the cold.

If you are working in a cold water environment, special PFDs such as floatation coats, deck-suit style, or survival suits will be provided by your employer.

Your employer will provide you with special training, information, and gear in cases where you will work around a cold water environment.

To learn more about Water Safety & Drowning Hazards visit our Water Safety & Drowning Hazards Online Training web page.