The Cold Hard Facts

 Open water swimming in 52F water may be wonderful fun for the Goat, but for me it is about as alluring as a root canal.  The Goat went to the dentist today, in addition to his open water swim; so maybe he just loves self torture.

He disappeared into Sandhollow Reservoir today.  I had to refuse his tempting invitation to join the fun.  I will be ready and willing when it's 100F outside with the sun is shining over water temperatures in the 80's. 

My mind began wandering tonight, thinking of how cold that water was!  I gathered a little information just to quench my own active and curious imagination.
     
Hypothermia occurs when normal body temperature of 98.6F drops below 95F.   Body heat is lost quicker in water.  Exposure to water temperatures of 50F can lead to death in an hour.  Water temperatures approaching freezing can lead to death in about 15 minutes, and temperatures as high as 79F can lead to hypothermia after prolonged exposure.

It's dangerous to swim in water colder than 70F without some type of thermal protection.  The following website explains the different types of wet suit thickness for varying temperatures.
  http://www.menswetsuit.net/

Obviously, adding a wet suit to the equation makes a big difference.  The wet suit catches a layer of water between the skin and neoprene.  The body's heat warms this layer of water making it more comfortable, safer, and possible to swim longer in colder water. The better the fit of the wetsuit, the more effective it is.  The more body movement produced, the more heat will be also be produced. 

How to Select the Right Wetsuit
http://www.onetri.com/newsdesk_info.php?newsdesk_id=2

Close Out Wet Suits from Last Year
http://www.trisports.com/blueseventysynergie.html

The Blue Seventy Web Site
http://www.blueseventy.com/