In which situation is the danger of hypothermia greatest?

The danger of hypothermia is greatest when a person is immersed in cold water. This is primarily because water conducts heat away from the body much more efficiently than air does. When fully submerged in cold water, the body can lose heat rapidly, leading to a dangerous drop in core temperature. The potential for hypothermia increases significantly, particularly in water temperatures below 70°F, as people can begin to experience hypothermic effects in just a matter of minutes.

In contrast, while windy conditions can exacerbate the feeling of cold and lead to heat loss, and camping in cold weather or wading in cool lakes can also pose risks, these situations typically do not present the same immediate and intense threat as immersion in cold water. The body can lose heat quickly in water, making this the most critical scenario for hypothermia.