18
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.
12.0
Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold water causes a condition known as hypothermia - a
substantial loss of body heat, which leads to exhaustion and unconsciousness.
Most drowning victims first suffer from hypothermia. The following chart shows
the effects of hypothermia:
PFDs can increase survival time because they allow you to float without using
energy treading water and because of their insulating properties. Naturally, the
warmer the water, the less insulation you will require. When operating in cold
waters [below 60
o
F (15.6
o
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 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 method
that require putting your head in 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. Wrap your arms
around your torso, under the PFD, and
drawing the legs up to a seated position,
because doing so will help you conserve body heat.
Figure 10
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