
ALT NWS Cold Water Safety Graphic. Spring water conditions: Periods of warm weather in the spring and early summer cause snowmelt to increase, causing rivers to run faster and colder than later in the summer. Dangers of cold water: cold water drains body heat up to 25 times faster than cold air. It only takes water as cold as 60 degrees to cause dangerous physiological responses, event for confident swimmers in calm water. Cold water preparedness: always wear a life jacket in and around water and dress for water temperature, not air temperature. Keep a close eye on children and pets near water. Know the signs of cold shock (involuntary gasping & rapid breathing) which drastically increases the risk of drowning. The air may be hot, but the water is cold! High temperatures across western WA through Thursday: highs ranging from the upper 50s into the 60s, reaching the 60s and 70s by next Thursday.























