After your feet go numb, what is the next sign of hypothermia? I need to know what to look for. My feet go numb first. After one or two fingers go numb, i decide it's time to get out. What signs do you look for that tell you it's DEFINITELY time to get out? btw even when just the feet have gone numb, i make sure i'm no more than about 100 meters from shore.
Parents
Former Member
Interesting topic. Around this time of year I start drinking a large warm beverage (hot chocolate lately) before getting in and find that it makes it much easier to start out and keep going. It does keep the core warm, but I do find my arms and legs get cold. Numbness is a sign I use to keep track of how cold is too cold (numb-ish feet are OK, but when it starts to spread that's a problem and I get out) - I also find myself counting in multiples of, say, 7 to check for mental confusion. Usually I find I've stayed in too long when I get out and get the uncontrollable shivers on the beach. Fortunately, we do get acclimated to the cold water and it stays comfortable even when the water temp gets below 60 degrees F. Happy swimming.
Interesting topic. Around this time of year I start drinking a large warm beverage (hot chocolate lately) before getting in and find that it makes it much easier to start out and keep going. It does keep the core warm, but I do find my arms and legs get cold. Numbness is a sign I use to keep track of how cold is too cold (numb-ish feet are OK, but when it starts to spread that's a problem and I get out) - I also find myself counting in multiples of, say, 7 to check for mental confusion. Usually I find I've stayed in too long when I get out and get the uncontrollable shivers on the beach. Fortunately, we do get acclimated to the cold water and it stays comfortable even when the water temp gets below 60 degrees F. Happy swimming.
