National Center for Cold Water Safety
Real World vs Lab Test
Cold shock is far more intense in real life than in scientific research experiments.
The Real World
Cold shock is a far more intense experience in the real world because as soon as they’re in the water, people immediately realize that they’re fighting for their lives.
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They’re unfamiliar with cold water.
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They’re surprised and stunned.
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They know they’re in desperate trouble.
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They’re terrified of dying.
Shivering in a physiology lab's 55F (13C) pool
The Lab Test
The people who participate in scientific cold shock experiments are relaxed volunteers.
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They’re familiar with cold water.
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They know in advance what’s going to happen.
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They know they’re not in any real danger of drowning.
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They're not afraid.
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Nevertheless, despite all that reassurance, they experience cold shock for two – three minutes, and it can take up to five minutes for them to stabilize their breathing at around twice the pre-immersion level.
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