The priorities of survival
The great enemies of the person in the water are cold (hypothermia) and drowning, and survival is about defeating them. The priorities, in order, are protection from the cold and the elements, location so that rescuers can find you, water discipline once in a craft, and — running through all of it — the will to survive. A calm, determined survivor who conserves heat and energy, stays with others and with the craft, and keeps hope alive, has a far better chance than one who panics or gives up. Rescue may take time, and the survivor's job is to still be alive when it comes.
- Protection: conserve body heat, keep as dry as possible, and shelter from wind and sea.
- Location: help rescuers find you with the survival craft, signals, and staying together.
- Water: in a craft, ration water and do not drink seawater.
- The will to survive: stay calm, keep hope, and support the others.
WARNING — Cold and drowning are the killers Hypothermia and drowning kill survivors far faster than hunger or thirst. Everything you do — conserving heat, staying with the craft, keeping your airway clear of the sea — is aimed at defeating those two.
TIP — Stay together and stay with the craft Survivors who stay together conserve heat, keep morale up and are easier to spot than individuals scattered in the sea. Stay with the survival craft and with each other.