Using a wetsuit to help with buoyancy and warmth, such as when racing in a triathlon, often is a good idea. However, if conditions are too warm, your body will overheat as you swim in your wetsuit. That's why wetsuits are not allowed in some events that include open-water swims.
Guidelines
If you want to avoid overheating when swimming in a wetsuit, use the rules set forth by USA Triathlon as your guideline. USAT is the governing body for swim-bike-run races in the United States. Athletes are allowed to wear wetsuits in water with temperatures up to and including 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is warmer than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, the organization discourages wearing a wetsuit but does not outright ban wetsuit use. Athletes who use wetsuits when water is between 78 and 84 degrees lose eligibility for awards, however. If water is warmer than 84 degrees, athletes are not allowed to wear wetsuits at all.
Design Considerations
Also take the water temperature your wetsuit is designed for into account if you are worried about overheating as you swim. Some suits are made for 50 degree Fahrenheit water temperatures, but others are made for swimming in 75-degree plus water temperatures. Also consider whether you are wearing a full suit, a short-cut suit, meaning it reaches above your knees instead of to your ankles, or a longjohn style suit, which is sleeveless.
Heat Exhaustion
Overheating is always a serious problem. Overheating as you swim can be even more problematic because it can hamper your ability to return to shore. Your body heat is raised by your exercising muscle. Cooling is usually accomplished by evaporating sweat, but your sweat cannot evaporate if it is trapped in your wetsuit. There are three stages to heat injury. The first is heat cramps, which are muscle spasms that occur in your abdomen, arms or legs. Heat exhaustion is the next stage. Symptoms include generalized weakness, dizziness, clammy skin, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, an elevated pulse and low blood pressure. The third stage is heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. If your body temperature goes above 104 degrees Fahrenheit you may have heat stroke. Heat stroke can cause a coma or a seizure and can lead to a fatal heart attack if not treated.
Considerations
Dehydration is one component of heat exhaustion. Sweating heavily and not drinking enough fluids both are factors that raise dehydration risk. Dehydration also may occur if you replace large volumes of sweat with liquids that don't include enough salt, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Obesity, high blood pressure, alcohol consumption, certain medicines like beta-blockers, illness, a chronic disability, heart disease and an older age also increase your risk for heat exhaustion. The main treatment for heat exhaustion is resting in a cool environment and replacing fluids. You need immediate medical attention if your body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Also seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or don't improve within one hour, advise the experts at the Mayo Clinic.
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