Cold Water Survival

Table of Contents:

Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats

Cold Water Survival

Illustration of a person wearing a life jacket, floating in the H.E.L.P. position, which is "sitting" in the water, with the knees drawn close to the chest, the legs crossed, the arms hugging the chest, and the chin resting on the top of the life jacket. Sudden immersion in cold water can induce rapid, uncontrolled breathing, cardiac arrest, and other physical body conditions, which can result in drowning. Always wearing a PFD will help you survive in rapid immersion situations. In other situations where you must enter the water, here are a few things to follow:

Wear a PFD.
Button up your clothing.
Cover your head if possible and enter the water slowly.
Keep your head out of the water if at all possible.
Assume the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) position.