Cold Water Protection Under Field Conditions

Abstract

Eleven runs were made for this evaluation, all with the subjects immersed but not submerged in 36F water. Four runs were made under resting conditions, and four under swimming conditions, to test various types of insulating underclothing worn beneath the standard swim suit. In addition, three dives were made under swimming conditions to test three types of insulating swim suits. The four underclothing materials were: 1/8 in. flat ensolyte, 1/4 in. flat ensolyte, 1/4 in. button ensolyte, and one suit of 100percent wool underwear. The three swim suit materials were: 1/4 in. flat ensolyte, 1/4 in. flat chemically blown neoprene, and 1/4 in. flat mechanically blown latex.