Nature and water
Fall into cold water
You fall into a cold lake, river, or sea. The gasping kills first, not the cold.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Control your breathing for the first minute: head up, mouth closed.
- 2Don't swim yet. Let the life jacket float you.
- 3Use the 10 minutes of strength to get out or climb onto something.
- 4Climb onto the overturned boat: you lose less heat and are easier to see.
- 5If you can't get out, use the HELP posture: arms crossed, knees to chest.
- 6In a group, huddle in a circle, chest to chest.
- 7Call for help with the whistle on your life jacket.
Don't
- Don't take off your clothes or shoes.
- Don't swim aimlessly: you cool faster.
- Don't leave the boat to swim to a distant shore.
- Don't move the rescued person roughly: keep them lying down and be gentle.
Have ready
- Coast Guard-approved life jacket, worn and fitted.
- Whistle tied to the life jacket.
- Dry clothes and a blanket for afterward.
- Pet life jacket with a handle on the back.
Key fact1-10-1 rule: 1 minute to control your breathing, 10 minutes of useful strength, about 1 hour before you pass out from hypothermia.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 13 · Sea, lakes, and rivers
