At what rate does body heat lose in water compared to air?

Body heat is lost much more rapidly in water than in air due to several physical properties of water. The correct answer indicates that the rate of heat loss is 25-30 times faster in water. This significant difference arises from the higher thermal conductivity of water compared to air, meaning water can transfer heat away from the body much more efficiently.

In water, the body loses heat not only through conduction, where heat moves from the warmer body to the cooler surrounding water, but also through convection, where moving water continuously replaces warmer water next to the skin. As a result, divers must often use thermal protection, such as wetsuits or drysuits, to help retain body heat and maintain a safe body temperature while submerged. Understanding this concept is essential for safe diving practices and ensuring divers are adequately prepared for varying water temperatures.