Wear a life jacket.
Try to avoid entering the water. If you must enter the water to survive, do it slowly. If experiencing cold shock, hold onto something until breathing settles down.
Keep your head, neck, and face out of the water.
Get out of the water as soon as possible. Climb aboard a boat or on top of an overturned boat if you are unable to right it.
Do not attempt to swim for shore if it will cause greater exposure to the cold water and there is a good chance of being rescued.
If there is little or no chance of rescue and the shoreline is a reasonable swim away, swimming to shore may be the safer option.
Assume the ‘Heat Escape Lessening Position’ (H.E.L.P. or Huddle) to protect the core organs. While floating in a lifejacket, draw your knees together toward your chest and hold your upper arms tightly to your sides.
Remain as still as possible. Excessive movement in cold water cools the body much faster. Thrashing flushes away the water warmed by the body.
Clothing provides some protection against heat loss, especially a waterproof outer layer. Don’t remove clothing—it can benefit you by trapping water warmed by the body’s heat and keeps it near.
Carry survival gear including a blanket, hat and extra dry clothing on board.
For more on staying safe in the outdoors, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov on the Recreation page, click on Stay Safe Outdoors.
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