There are many risks associated with cold water immersion, the most serious of which is hypothermia. When your body is exposed to cold water, it begins to lose heat faster than it can produce heat, leading to a drop in body temperature. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If not treated promptly, hypothermia can be fatal.
Other risks associated with cold water immersion include drowning and cardiac arrest. Cold water can cause your heart rate to increase and blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to a heart attack. It can also cause you to gasp for air involuntarily, increasing the risk of drowning.
Lastly, cold water immersion can also lead to injuries such as frostbite and tissue damage. Frostbite occurs when the skin and tissues are exposed to freezing temperatures and begin to freeze. This can permanently damage the tissue and potentially lead to amputation. Tissue damage occurs when the cells in the body are damaged by exposure to cold temperatures. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.