Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a stage of hypothermia?

1. Cold shock

2. Post-immersion recovery

3. Swim failure

4. Immersion hypothermia

The correct answer is: Post-immersion recovery

Post-immersion recovery refers to the process and strategies involved in recovering from hypothermia after exiting cold water, rather than being a stage of hypothermia itself. The stages of hypothermia include cold shock, which occurs immediately upon immersion in cold water, swim failure, which happens when the body begins to lose the ability to swim due to muscle weakness and coordination loss, and immersion hypothermia, which denotes the actual lowering of the body temperature while submerged. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing the effects of cold water on the body and the importance of timely intervention to prevent serious health risks such as hypothermia.