This early in spring, most people know that the lakes and rivers are going to be cold, but experts warn that your body could be taken by surprise if the water is too cold.
"In Olympic swimming pools they try to have the temperature between 77 and 82 degrees, so pretty much anything below that you can start having complications," John Whited, the Deputy Chief of the Knoxville Volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad.
Whited said that in Knox County, most lakes right now are around 70 degrees, and it's very likely some spots are colder.
"You have to be careful this time of the year," Whited said.
Studies show that anything below 77 degrees can effect your breathing and 60 to 70 degree water is considered dangerous. Below 40 degrees is life threatening.
Experts said you should treat any water below 70 degrees with caution.
"Generally if you jump in cold water, all the blood will rush to your core which will make it hard for your extremities to move and kick. So if you aren't wearing a life jacket to self rescue yourself you'll basically sink," Whited said.
Last year, there was only one reported boating fatality where cold water emersion was the primary cause in Knox County, but there were a couple more, where no cause was found and cold water could've been to blame.
Whited said if your considering to drink alcohol out on the water it's important to realize the risk you could be putting yourself in.
"The effect of alcohol on drowning in that kind of situation puts you at a ten times greater risk. It doesn't take a lot, just a few drinks," he said.
Most importantly, Whited said everyone needs to be wearing a life jacket because you never know how the body will respond to cold water.
