How much faster does water conduct heat away from the body compared to air?

Water conducts heat away from the body approximately 25 times faster than air. This significant difference in thermal conductivity is primarily due to the physical properties of water compared to air. Water is denser than air and has a higher heat capacity, which allows it to absorb and carry away heat more efficiently from a warm body.

In diving scenarios, this understanding is critical since immersion in water can lead to hypothermia much more quickly than exposure to cold air. Divers must be aware of this factor and take appropriate measures, such as wearing insulated wetsuits or drysuits, to maintain body heat while underwater. Understanding the rate of heat loss in water versus air can help divers plan for the duration and conditions of their dives more safely.