Taimura, A., Sugawara, M., & Tsuchiya, K. (2000). Influence of water temperature and swimming velocity on body temperature and weight loss during swimming. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 679.

This study determined the influence of water temperature and swimming velocity on sweat loss and body temperature during swimming. Trained male college swimmers (N = 5) swam 1,500-m freestyle at three submaximal velocities (90, 95, and 97.5% of best performance) in water temperatures of 26.4 and 29.2 degrees Celsius.

Heart rate, RPE, and body temperature increased significantly in relation to swimming velocity. There was no difference in these factors between the two water temperatures. Sweat loss increased with velocity and temperature.

Implication. When swimmers are performing a workout that includes high velocities, it is advisable to increase the intake of fluids to offset increased sweat loss.

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