As with alcohol, the cold can seriously affect your ability to think rationally, it can sap your strength extremely quickly and you lose your fine and gross motor skills. A recent study has suggested that with the water temperature at 32.5 F/0.3C, an average person will only remain conscious for 15 minutes. The water may not be too cold initially; however the duration that you are in the water can still sap body heat over a period of time. Think about how long you will be in the water for.