Hypothermia can result from immersion in what type of water?

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. This condition is most commonly associated with cold water immersion. Cold water can severely lower body temperature, even if the air temperature is relatively warm. As the body is submerged in cold water, it can lose heat rapidly through conduction, causing vital organs to cool and potentially leading to hypothermia.

While heated water technically cannot cause hypothermia, saltwater and freshwater immersion are not inherently hypothermic conditions; however, they can be if they are cold. The key factor here is the temperature of the water. Cold water immersion profoundly impacts the body's ability to maintain a normal temperature, making it the primary cause of hypothermia in boating and other water activities.