Boating Coach
Emergencies and cold waterQuestion 394 of 566

What happens in the first minute in cold water (cold shock)?

  1. You fall asleep.
  2. You lose all feeling in your arms.
  3. Your body temperature drops below 35 degrees C.
  4. You gasp and then breathe much too fast.
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Correct answer: You gasp and then breathe much too fast.

Cold shock is a deep gasp followed by hyperventilation. It lasts about one minute.

Source: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 2026), 1-10-1 Principle, page 53

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026