Surviving Water Emergencies

Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (life jacket) while you’re in the boat. Life jackets will not only keep you afloat, but they’ll also help you keep warm.

If you get caught in a storm and your boat swamps or capsizes, stay with the boat. Most small boats will float even when upside down or filled with water. Signal passing boats by waving a bright cloth, or raising an oar if one is available.

Placing an oar under your back and shoulders and another under your legs can help you float. If decoys are in reach, stuff them inside your jacket.

Chest waders and hip boots also will help you stay afloat.

• If in chest waders, trap air in the waders by bending your knees and raising your feet. Lie on your back.
• If in hip boots, trap air in the boots by bending your knees. Lie on your stomach.

Equip your boat with a means for re-entry (ladder, sling, etc.) to use if you should fall into the water.

Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia

Sudden immersion into cold water can cause immediate, involuntary gasping; hyperventilation; panic; and vertigo­—all of which can result in water inhalation and drowning. Immersion in cold water also can cause sudden changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm, which also can result in death.

Prepare for boating in cold water conditions by always wearing a secured life jacket. Also wear layered clothing for insulation.

The best prevention is to take all measures necessary to avoid capsizing your boat or falling into cold water in the first place. If you do fall into cold water:

• Don’t panic. Try to get control of your breathing. Hold onto something or stay as still as possible until your breathing is controlled.
• When your breathing is under control, perform the most important functions first before you lose dexterity (10-15 minutes after immersion).
• Put on a PFD immediately if you don’t already have one on. Don’t take your clothes off unless absolutely necessary—they help insulate you.
• Focus on getting out of the water quickly before you lose full use of your hands, arms, and legs. Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped or capsized. Get as much of your body out of the water as possible—the rate of heat loss will be slower than if immersed in water.
• If you cannot get out of the water quickly, act to protect against rapid heat loss. In as few as 10 minutes, you may be unable to self-rescue.
  • Stay as motionless as possible, protecting the high heat loss areas of your body, and keep your head and neck out of the water.
  • Safety typically looks closer than it actually is, so staying with the boat is usually a better choice than swimming.
  • Adopt a position to reduce heat loss. If alone, use the (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) HELP position; or if there are others in the water with you, huddle together.
• Be prepared at all times to signal rescuers.

Recognizing Advanced Stages of Hypothermia

When a victim has these symptoms, dry clothing, heat, and medical attention are required immediately:

• Bluish-white appearance
• Weak heartbeat
• Shallow breathing
• Rigid body muscles
• May be unconscious

Read more about the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia by going to Coping with Extreme Weather.

If you fall into the cold water, remain clothed; clothing helps retain body heat.