Hypothermia is deadlier, in terms of victim count, than being struck by lightning or eaten by a grizzly bear or great white shark. Slowly freezing to death is an outdoor enthusiast's worst nightmare. News accounts often claim that a death from prolonged immersion in cold water was caused by exposure or freezing when, actually, the person more likely died from hypothermia. Boaters who fall overboard or swimmers in cold lakes may quickly lose consciousness because of rapid loss of body heat. Even though outside air temperatures may be high, deaths from hypothermia often occur in May, June and July, when overall water temperatures remain low.
Cold water conducts heat from the body.
The inner core body temperature may drop 6 to 8 degrees, causing a quick loss of rational thinking. Often the victim becomes numb and nearly unconscious, before quietly slipping under water. Hypothermia comes in two forms, mild and profound, and every outdoor enthusiast should recognize the symptoms. Hypothermia generally begins in a mild form, with cold toes, fingers and body chills. A victim is usually shivering, even when moving.