BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

If you find yourself in cold water, take the following actions to increase your survival time:

STEP 1:

Remain calm and assess the situation:

• Is everyone wearing a PFD or life jacket?
• Can you get to shore or safety?
• Are there any boaters who can assist you?
• Are you able to signal or call for help?

STEP 2:

If you are within 50 m of land and are able to swim, you should swim to shore immediately. However, if you are injured and unable to swim or are further than 50 m from shore, stay where you are.

STEP 3:

If possible, climb onto a nearby floating object to remove yourself from the water, and conserve energy. However, you should only climb on to the object if you’re able to get most of your body out of the water.

STEP 4:

Signal or call for help if possible (this is when having a whistle attached to your life jacket can come in seriously handy).

STEP 5:

Assume the Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P.) if you’re alone, or the Huddle Position if you’re with others, to reduce heat loss while your wait for help to arrive.