Does infrared penetrate long distances in water?

It depends on the type of infrared radiation, far-IR or near-IR. Near-infrared with wavelengths shorter than 1,2 um are hardly absorbed by water. Longer wavelengths are more or less completely absorbed. read more

Near-infrared with wavelengths shorter than 1,2 um are hardly absorbed by water. Longer wavelengths are more or less completely absorbed. In the range of far infrared (where most thermal camera’s do there work) water is impenetrable. read more

In general no. Water molecules absorb near-IR light. In fact if you are near a fire, most of the heat you feel comes from near-IR being absorbed and heating the water in cells near the surface of your body. If another person is standing in front of you, you don't feel the heat because the IR does not penetrate their body. read more