How warm should a lake be before you swim in it?
How warm should a lake be before you swim in it? No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water. In fact, you'll be safer, too.
Is 60 degree lake water cold?
70 Degrees - 60 Degrees Now things are getting chilly! This water temperature is, unless you are accustomed to it, probably uncomfortably cold. Your breathing will be harder to maintain in this temperature, and you won't be able to hold your breath nearly as long as you would otherwise.
What is considered warm freshwater?
Classification systems based on water temperature vary by management agency and region (1), but in general rivers and streams with an average daily summer water temperature greater than 20°C (68°F) are considered to be warmwater (2).
Are shallow lakes warmer?
Deep lakes only mix in spring and fall, and the bottom of deep lakes stays cold and dark because light cannot reach the bottom. Shallow lakes, in contrast, mix all summer because light reaches the bottom of the lake and warms the whole water column.