United States Search and Rescue Task Force Cold Water Survival Cold Water What is it? It is difficult even for an expert to define. It is estimated to be around and under the temperature of 70 degrees. However, this will vary in each case due to the specific circumstances and physical condition of the person involved. What Happens In Cold Water? Many of the fatal boating accidents occur in the "out-of-season" months when the water is cold. What happens to the body when sudd ...