How To Survive in Cold Water After Falling In?

Some believe that the primary cause of death after abandoning ship is drowning or starvation. However, numerous cases demonstrate that the main reason for death among survivors after abandoning ship is exposure to cold water, especially falling into frigid water; the greatest danger faced by those who fall into the water is what is commonly known as "hypothermia."

•Reference time for survival at different water temperatures

•Key Points for Self-Rescue in Cold Water

1. Before abandoning ship and entering the water, wear warm, waterproof clothing to protect your head, neck, hands, and feet. Tighten cuffs, trouser legs, and belt.

2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

3. Wear a life jacket and immersion suit if possible.

Life Jacket

Immersion Suit

4. After falling into the water, quickly search for and board life boats, life rafts, or other floating objects to minimize immersion time.

Life Boat

Life Raft

5. Avoid unnecessary swimming. In cold water, survivors may experience violent shivering and severe pain; this is a natural bodily reaction and not dangerous. The most important thing is to remain as still as possible in the water to slow the drop in body temperature.

6. Before both hands lose all function, take immediate action, such as turning on signal lights and locating whistles.

7. To conserve body heat, adopt the internationally renowned HELP (HEAT ESCAPE LESSENING POSTURE), as shown in the lower left image: bend and bring your legs together, keep your elbows close to your sides, and cross your arms in front of your life jacket. If multiple people fall into the cold water simultaneously, it is best to form a HUDDLE position in groups of three, as shown in the lower right image: stand shoulder to shoulder in a circle, with each person curling their legs, feet, and knees close to their abdomen to reduce heat loss, help each other, conserve energy, and float on the surface to await rescue.

HELP

HUDDLE

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