How many times more rapidly does a diver's body heat get lost through conduction compared to air?

A diver's body loses heat significantly faster in water than in air due to the properties of conduction. Water is about 25 times more effective at conducting heat away from the body compared to air.

When a diver is submerged, heat is transferred from the body to the surrounding water, and because water has a higher thermal conductivity, this process occurs rapidly. In contrast, air is a poor conductor of heat, which helps to insulate the body. As a result, the loss of body heat is drastically heightened in water, leading to a much quicker onset of heat loss.

Understanding this principle is crucial for divers, as it highlights the importance of wearing appropriate thermal protection, such as wetsuits or drysuits, to help retain body heat and prevent hypothermia during dives.