What are the three factors that determine how long a person can survive in cold water?

The three factors that determine how long a person can survive in cold water are water temperature, body size, and clothing.

Water temperature is critical because it directly affects the rate of heat loss from the body. The colder the water, the faster heat is lost, leading to hypothermia, a condition that can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes.

Body size plays an essential role as well; individuals with larger body mass may retain heat longer due to a greater volume of insulating fat. In contrast, those with a smaller body size may lose heat more rapidly.

Clothing also significantly influences survival time in cold water. Insulated or waterproof clothing can help slow heat loss and provide crucial additional time for survival until rescue. In contrast, wet clothing can increase heat loss, making survival more challenging.

Together, these factors create a comprehensive understanding of how cold water immersion affects an individual’s ability to endure. Awareness of these elements can aid in preparing for emergencies in maritime environments.