Cold water breathing control

[Zoomer]

Is it just me or does everyone have the same reaction to cold water, when I hit the water that is 60 or below I have a hard time getting my breathing under control. It usually takes me a good 5 minutes to get it under control (it's almost like a panic attack from the cold water).... Just curious

New Diver Dave

 

[Tobagoman]

I think there are alot of factors that predispose a person to a higher respiratory rate when diving in cold water, such as the bulkier thermal protection, which makes you work a bit harder before getting in the water. Plus there are physiological responses of the body being chilled that requires more energy use (e.g. shivering) that cause an increased respiratory rate to fuel the body.

I'd also bet that there is a bit of anxiety involved in the 'heavier breathing' when getting into cold water.

I dove in a local river here on friday and the water at depth was 38 degrees F. Even though I was wearing a drysuit I know I was anxious and breathing a little faster than normal in anticipation of hitting the cold water when I entered. So I don't think there is anything out of the ordinary about it. As long as you get it under control for or in the beginning of the dive. If the anxiety and respiratory rate stay elevated, call the dive. Better safe then sorry!

 

[Ber Rabbit]

I was watching The Late Show one night last year and he had a gentleman who studies the effect of cold water on the body. This scientist did a demo where he immersed himself in a large tank of frigid water for a period of time. They would go back to him every 5 minutes and he would give an update on his condition and demonstrate whether or not he still had the strength to exit the water on his own. He said the first 60 seconds you will be gasping for breath as your body feels the shock of the cold. The first thing he did when he jumped in was stick his face in the water to allow his body to acclimate faster. Sure enough, 60 seconds later he had regained control of his breathing. We have always had our students remove their masks and put their face in the water and get their breathing under control before we descend when we are diving in cold water. Personally I've found this works really well for me, you might try it next time you're out.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Zoomer]

Thanks Ber I'll give it a try....

 

[MSilvia]

Is it just me or does everyone have the same reaction to cold water

No, it's not just you and no, it's not everyone. Personally, I don't have noticable trouble getting my breathing under control when I'm diving in water that's more than 10 degrees above freezing (unless I've been exerting myself, etc.), but 60 is about as high as I'm used to seeing when I dive in the peak summer months. Below 40, I get that reaction to some degree, but it usually only takes a minute to get back under control.

I have noticed though that my RMV rate increases as the water gets colder. I did a dive yesterday in 42 degree ocean water and went through about 65 cubic feet of air in just over 30 minutes. In august, I can usually get about 45 minutes out of that at the same depth.

 

[Diver0001]

Is it just me or does everyone have the same reaction to cold water, when I hit the water that is 60 or below I have a hard time getting my breathing under control. It usually takes me a good 5 minutes to get it under control (it's almost like a panic attack from the cold water).... Just curious

New Diver Dave

I know what you mean. It's something that you can get used to. When I first started diving in really cold water I used to get stuttering on inhale until I was acclimatized. These days i can jump in to water that would freeze if it were standing still and dive off like nothing happened. The only difference is experience.

I would say if you need 5 minutes then *take* the 5 minutes but do it on the surface before you start your dive. Do as Ber said and expose your face to the water. Hang your head in the water, flood your mask and let your cap flood. Once the initial shock reaction subsides then you can start your dive feeling a lot more comfortable. The more you do it, the shorter that 5 minutes will get.

R..

 

[ththooft]

I've also had a similar problem. I think part of it is the anxiety/anticipation of hitting the cold water again once you know how you react. I try to take some time and get my breathing under control and then I'm fine.
I also just bought a dry suit...hopefully that'll help too!
Good luck!

 

[spectrum]

My coldeswt water for skin and scuba dives has been 40F. It is bracing when your skin meets the water. I think the ley is to give your system time to adjust. Get your face in the water knowing that it will. not harm you. if possible use your snorkel to avoind consuming dive time air. This is excellent practice even in a mild water dive, get hoizontal and mellow out with your face in the water. When and only when you feel under control and comfortable you can signal to begin the dive.

Pete