Final answer:
When falling into cold water, you can retain the motor skills needed to swim for an average of 10 to 30 minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you fall into cold water, you will initially experience a cold shock response, where your body involuntarily gasps for air and your heart rate increases. After this initial shock, the cold water can start to impair your motor skills needed for swimming. The duration for which you can retain these motor skills depends on various factors such as water temperature, individual tolerance, and swimming experience. However, on average, most people will be able to retain their motor skills needed to swim for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
Learn more about Retaining motor skills in cold water