In water around $10^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($50^{\circ}\text{F}$), how quickly can significant loss of grip strength occur?
Answer
5 to 10 minutes
The progression of Cold Incapacitation is marked by a rapid loss of function in the extremities. In water temperatures that are quite cold, specifically around $10^{\circ} ext{C}$ ($50^{\circ} ext{F}$), the impairment of nerve and muscle function in the limbs occurs alarmingly fast. Significant loss of grip strength, which prevents a person from holding onto a rope or rail, can be observed in as little as 5 to 10 minutes. This rapid failure of motor skills demonstrates why active self-rescue must be attempted immediately following the dissipation of the initial Cold Shock Response, as the capacity for physical action vanishes quickly thereafter.
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