Fighting the cold in the water
In cold water the body loses heat fast, and reducing that loss is the priority. A survivor waiting for rescue holds the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) — knees drawn up, arms held against the sides — to protect the areas of greatest heat loss, and a group huddles together for the same reason. Movement and swimming are avoided unless there is a definite goal, because they speed heat loss. The aim is to conserve heat and energy and stay afloat and calm until the survival craft or the rescuers reach you.
Managing the survival craft
- Get everyone aboard, account for them, and treat any casualties and cold or injured survivors.
- Stream the sea anchor to reduce drift and stabilise the craft, and close the canopy against the weather.
- Ration the water, keep a lookout, and maintain morale and order.
- Use the location equipment — SART, EPIRB, flares — to help rescuers find the craft.
TIP — HELP posture and huddle to save heat In the water, hold the HELP posture — knees up, arms in — to protect the areas of greatest heat loss, and huddle with others. Do not swim about unless you have a definite, reachable goal, as movement speeds heat loss.
WARNING — Hypothermia is the enemy in the craft too Even out of the water, a wet, cold survivor can become hypothermic in the craft. Get people dry and sheltered, use thermal protective aids, huddle for warmth, and watch for the signs of cold in others.