DO'S AND DON'TS TO PREVENT IMMERSION HYPOTHERMIA
DO
1. Wear a life preserver (personal flotation device or PFD).
2. Get in or on the boat to get as far out of the water as you can. (This is assuming that the wind chill temperature is not significantly lower than the water temperature.) Remember that water conducts heat much more rapidly than air.
3. Huddle together as close as possible. Form a circle if you are in the water with others.
DON'T
1. Swim for shore unless you are certain you can make it and there is no chance of rescue. It is difficult to estimate distances on water. Good swimmers can be overcome by hypothermia before swimming 100 yards. Remember that heat loss is greatly increased by swimming.
2. Leave the boat. Your chances of rescue are increased by the greater visibility of the boat.
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