What is one effect of hypothermia on a person adrift at sea?

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. One significant effect of hypothermia is impaired judgment. As the body's temperature drops, cognitive functions begin to deteriorate, which affects decision-making abilities, reaction times, and even awareness of one's surroundings. This can lead to poor choices in critical situations, such as neglecting to signal for help or failing to take the necessary precautions to stay safe while adrift at sea.

While the other options might seem appealing in the context of survival, they do not represent realistic outcomes of hypothermia. For example, hypothermia does not improve strength or increase energy levels; on the contrary, it can lead to weakness and fatigue. Additionally, visibility may be impacted negatively as a person's physical state deteriorates. Understanding the implications of impaired judgment due to hypothermia is essential for survival in emergency situations at sea.