Is 75 degrees too cold to swim in a lake?
Is 75 degrees too cold to swim in a lake? For safety's sake, most swimmers should wait until the water temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But even that can be too chilly for most people to enjoy the experience. If you give the water time to warm up, you'll stay safer and have more fun.
How cold is too cold to swim in a lake?
According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, water temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit should be treated with caution. Water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit makes it difficult to control your breathing, and anything lower than 40 degrees is painfully cold.
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).
Is it safe to swim in a cold lake?
Keep it safe Particularly if you're a beginning cold water swimmer, have someone with you. The cold water can increase the likelihood of heart problems or cramps that even experienced pool swimmers aren't expecting. If you're not a confident swimmer, it's better to start in warmer and predictably shallow waters.