Not only does the swim theory sound off base, the temps are crazy!
88-90 degrees, really! That will surely crank up the stress.
Water temps doe not feel the same as air temp or objects. In fact, water amplifies temperature. It is very deceptive.
You get in a tub of 90 degree water and see if feels comfortable for swimming. A relaxing bath is one thing, but a swim would be miserable.
Same goes for cold water. Have you ever swam or skied in 50 degree water? You would swear it is in the 30's.
Yeah, you'd have to put a lid on the tub of water all right. That snake is desperately trying to get out of that hot water.