If You Fall Overboard

If You Fall Overboard

If the boat capsizes or you fall overboard, you should:

Stay with the boat! Avoid trying to swim to shore, as even the best swimmer could succumb to hypothermia before reaching the shoreline.
Keep your clothing on! Even when wet, these clothes will help to maintain body heat. Waders can not only help to keep you warm, but they can help keep you afloat as well by trapping air if you bend your knees and raise your feet.
Try to re-board the boat, if possible! Even if the boat is swamped or capsized, the more of your body you can get out of the water, the better.

Go into the "HELP" position! Simply keeping your arms close to your body and pulling your legs to your chest places you in the Heat Escape Lessening Posture. This posture will protect the body's three major areas of heat loss: groin, head/neck and chest/armpit areas. With two or more people, use the "huddle system."

H.E.L.P. -- Heat Escape Lessening Postures

This position reduces exposure of high heat loss areas of the body. Wearing a PFD allows you to draw your knees to your chest and your arms to your sides.

Huddling with other people in the water lessens the loss of body heat and is good for morale.

Signal for assistance! Raise any high visibility item: an oar, orange vest, red hat or any other visible object. Waving back and forth can draw more attention.
Stay calm! Try not to thrash about any more than necessary. Excess motion consumes energy and increases heat loss.
Protect your head! In fast-moving water, float on your back and keep your feet pointed downstream. Push off obstacles with your feet as you drift. Don't try to stand if the water is too swift. Use your hands to maneuver to shallower areas.