p. 16
60°F (15.6°C)] you should consider using a coat or jacket style
PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as they cover more
of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs. Some Points to
Remember About Hypothermia Protection:
1) Always wear your PFD. Even if you become incapacitated
due to hypothermia, the PFD will keep you afloat and greatly
improve your chances of rescue.
2) Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft,
fellow survivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or
climb. Swimming increases the rate of body heat loss. In cold
water, drown-proofing methods that require putting your head
in the water are not recommended. Keep your head out of
the water. This will greatly lessen heat loss and increase your
survival time.
3) Use the standard H.E.L.P. position when
wearing an inflatable PFD, drawing the
legs up to a seated position, because
doing so will help you conserve body
heat.
4) Keep a positive attitude about your
survival and rescue. This will improve
your chances of
extending your survival
time until rescued. Your will-to-live
does make a difference!
5) If there is more than one person in
the water, huddling is recommended
while waiting to be rescued. This action
tends to reduce the rate of heat loss
and thus increase the survival time.
Example of
H.E.L.P. Position
(Type III inflatable
PFD illustrated)
