How hypothermia can linger in lakes despite warm weather [Video]

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It happens several times every year, according to Sgt. Robert Marske, who works for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Marske investigated boating accidents and incidents for 16 years, and he says springtime can be dangerous on the water.

“The ambient temperature outside is nice, in the 70s and 80s. People think that might be a good day on the lake, but the water is still cold. This time of year, the water can be in the 50s and 60s,” said Marske.

Hypothermia can set in after someone is submerged in water as warm as the high 70s. “There have been incidents the past several years that people have either lost their lives to hypothermia for being in the water too long, or hypothermia was a contributing factor to them drowning,” Marske explained.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, there were 15 drownings in 2021, 12 drownings in 2022 …