Drawing: Cobra helicopter Drawing: Cobra helicopter
Chapter 16 - Page 2

Floating on your back takes the least energy. Lie on your back in the water, spread your arms and legs, and arch your back. By controlling your breathing in and out, your face will always be out of the water and you may even sleep in this position for short periods. Your head will be partially submerged, but your face will be above water. If you cannot float on your back or if the sea is too rough, float facedown in the water as shown in Figure 16-2.

Drawing: Figure 16-2. Floating position.

The following are the best swimming strokes during a survival situation:

If you are in an area where surface oil is burning —

Note: If you have an uninflated life preserver, keep it.

If you are in oil-covered water that is free of fire, hold your head high to keep the oil out of your eyes. Attach your life preserver to your wrist and then use it as a raft.

If you have a life preserver, you can stay afloat for an indefinite period. In this case, use the "HELP" body position: Heat Escaping Lessening Posture (HELP). Remain still and assume the fetal position to help you retain body heat. You lose about 50 percent of your body heat through your head. Therefore, keep your head out of the water. Other areas of high heat loss are the neck, the sides, and the groin. Figure 16-3 illustrates the HELP position.

Drawing: Figure 16-3. HELP position.

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Updated: 12 January 2008
Born on 01 December 1999