Energy exchanges in water.

The thermal physical properties of water make water a medium of high heat transfer relative to air. This paper describes the body temperature pattern during immersion in still and moving water, the avenues for energy exchange, the energy transfer characteristics of humans, and the physiological means by which the body attempts to compensate for the excess heat loss in water. Fat is the major defense against cooling in water when exercising or shivering. Skeletal muscle is a significant additional factor during quiet rest.