Most folks apperciate that cold water can be dangerous.
But few know why. At a water temperature of 70 degree F. your body loses heat about 25 times as fast as it does to air of the same temperature. The average adult swimmer can go about two tenths of a mile before their muscle lock up in 50 degree F. water. C. Torso reflex or inhalation response is an involuntary gasp that almost everyone, swimmer or not, will take on suddenly entering cold water. If your face is immersed, as you gasp, you'll drown yourself.