Dive Health & Safety
Staying warm: hypothermia and wetsuit choice for divers
Hypothermia is when your body loses heat faster than it makes it, with core temperature falling below 35°C. It can happen even in tropical water if you dive for long in just a swimsuit or skin. Plan your suit for the water temperature, depth and dive time, add a hood or gloves when needed, recheck your weights with thicker neoprene, and change into dry clothes after diving.
By 71 Guardians · Published 19 Oct 2026
What are the signs of hypothermia?
DAN lists a weakened pulse, confusion, slow breathing, shivering and even loss of consciousness.
Can you get cold in warm water?
Yes. DAN notes that spending a long time in warm water in only a swimsuit or dive skin will lower your body temperature.
How do I choose exposure protection?
Consider the air temperature, water temperature, depth, dive duration and possible thermoclines. Thicker wetsuits insulate better; hoods and gloves help in cooler water; drysuits need extra training. Thicker neoprene is more buoyant — recheck your weighting.
How should I warm up after diving?
Change out of wet clothes into dry, windproof layers; have towels ready. Warm, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks help. Watch anyone rewarming for 'afterdrop' — core temperature can keep falling as cold blood from the limbs returns.
Frequently asked questions
What wetsuit do I need in Hurghada?
Our Daily Diving FAQ gives wetsuit advice by season; tell us if you feel the cold and we'll suggest a thicker suit.
Is alcohol good for warming up?
No — DAN recommends warm, non-alcoholic drinks.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- Avoid the Chill — Divers Alert Network (DAN)