Hypothermia
Posted by: jimyaker
on Dec-10-12 7:15 PM (EST)
I've seen two paddlers in the initial stages of hypothermia in August in TN on 80+ degree days. The Hiwassee has water temps in the 50s and the weather was overcast with a stiff wind. Both were uncontrollably shivering and probably less than 5 minutes from being in real trouble if they had stayed in the water. One had taken a 3-5 minute swim and the other had a loose wetsuit for a self rescue class where you were in the water intermittently.
Again, that was 80 degree weather in TN in August.
If you can't warm back up quickly things can go bad in a hurry.
Jim