How Long Can You Swim In 60 Degree Water? In summer, the average surface water temperature in freshwater lakes is 60 to 70 degrees fahrenheit. A individual can lose the ability to make synchronized hand and finger movements in as little as 40 minutes, become exhausted in as little as 2 hours, and can only swim for less than 2 hours at those temperatures.
It’s summertime and more than likely you are looking for some kind of way to cool off. Some people prefer the pool, but others might rather be in a lake or by the ocean. Whether it is 60 degrees outside or not, many people enjoy going swimming on those hot days! You may be wondering how long can you swim in water at 60 degrees? Read this article to find out!
The average person can swim for about 30 minutes in water at 60 degrees, but this time may vary depending on your size and swimming style. Those who have more body fat are able to last longer because they produce more heat than those with less weight. But people should still avoid staying in the cold water past an hour!
In cold water can be done for longer periods of time if you wear a wet suit, neoprene hat, gloves, and booties. cooler temperatures of 78 to 84 degrees are advised for healthy swimming.
Expected Survival Time in Cold Water
Water Temperature |
Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in |
Expected Survival Time |
70–80° F (21–27° C) |
3–12 hours |
3 hours – indefinitely |
60–70° F (16–21° C) |
2–7 hours |
2–40 hours |
50–60° F (10–16° C) |
1–2 hours |
1–6 hours |
40–50° F (4–10° C) |
30–60 minutes |
1–3 hours |
32.5–40° F (0–4° C) |
15–30 minutes |
30–90 minutes |
<32° F (<0° C) |
Under 15 minutes |
Under 15–45 minutes |
It is said that symptoms of hyperthermia were first known about 2000 years ago. However, a person should not be considered dead unless they are confirmed to have died by medical professionals after being warmed up from hypothermia.
There are many steps that people can take to rewarm a hypothermic person without the use of advanced equipment, but hospitals and clinics have procedures and equipment that can help people recover from hypothermia more rapidly and effectively.
As with hypothermia situations, it is critical to provide adequate insulation, dry clothing, and protection from wind and cold.
If a person’s feeling of cold persists, it is important to warm their heart or trunk rather than their arms and legs. Severe hypothermia can cause a person’s breathing and pulse to become very weak or absent.
Body-to-body warmth of a shivering person in an insulating cover may make the person more relaxed, but it will do little to rewarm them because the body-to-body contact may reduce heat production in the hypothermic person, causing shivering.
How Long Can You Swim In 60 Degree Water – Related Questions
Is 60 degrees warm enough to swim?
A recent study has revealed that two hours of swimming in water under 60 degrees Fahrenheit poses a serious danger to swimmers. The reason for this is because the body temperature drops with continued exposure and can lead to hypothermia if not properly monitored.
How long can you be in 60 degree water?
The water temperature can affect how long it takes for you to die.
At a temperate 50-60 degrees, death may occur within 1 – 6 hours of exposure. This is still dangerous and could lead to hypothermia if not taken care of quickly enough because the body will begin losing heat at an increased rate when exposed only to cold temperatures without any protection from clothes or air pockets as well as becoming susceptible to infections that would otherwise be less likely due time constraints on treatment with antibiotics being reduced by 100%.
On the other hand, going over 60 degrees provides much longer window before death occurs; 2-40 hours instead of just one hour!
Is 62 degree water too cold to swim in?
It is hard to swim when the water is cold. When you are submerged in a body of 60-degree Fahrenheit water for two hours, your risk of death due to drowning increases by 50%. You may feel chilly at first but then will have difficulty moving and swimming as blood flows away from muscles so they can keep heat inside themselves.
After two hours spent with cool waters up until their armpits, one’s odds breathing difficulties increase drastically; specifically because while we’re down there our bodies prioritize keeping internal organs warm over limb movement – which makes it difficult if not impossible to get oxygen or move about comfortably without sinking underwater
Is it safe to swim in 62 degree water?
According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity. Conversely, swimming in excessively cold waters can lead people’s heart rates and blood pressure levels increase dramatically due to a lack of body heat regulation.
The average person takes about 15 minutes before their core temperature drops below 70°F meaning that they will need an hour or so outside without protection if it is colder than this.
What is the best temperature to go to the beach?
88° F: The perfect beach temperature. Hot enough to swim, but not excessively hot so you can still enjoy the sun without baking too quickly. 90° F: Excellent for enjoying the outdoors and getting a good tan!
Is 72 too cold for the beach?
72 is perfect for the beach and how the crowds are depends on the temperature not at the beach, but where the people live.