What temperature is safe to swim in a river?

No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water. In fact, you'll be safer, too.



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Your body temperature can drop even if it is warmer than 50°F (10°C) if you are out in wet and windy weather. If you're in water that is 60°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C), you are also at risk for hypothermia. But hypothermia can occur indoors, especially in babies and older or ill adults who are not dressed warmly enough.

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70F (21C) Water feels quite cold to most people. We recommend wearing thermal protection below this level.

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