1. Use HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture—crouch into a fetal position). Huddle together with others to retain heat (a group also makes a bigger target for rescuers to see).

2. Don’t attempt to swim unless you are close to shore. One mile is 66 laps in a pool. In 50-degree water the average person wearing a PFD and light clothing can only cover 0.85 miles before becoming incapacitated by hypothermia.