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Adrift
- Get out of the water, if possible, by climbing onto the overturned boat, for example. This will reduce your heat loss to water massively and delay the onset of hypothermia.
- If in cold water don't try swimming unless you are very near land. Swimming actually increases heat loss by up to 50% and can produce cramp.
- Reduce heat loss by drawing your arms, legs and body together. This position protects major blood vessels near the body's surface, where a lack of insulating fat makes them vulnerable to the cold.
- Breathe through your nose. This also reduces heat loss, providing you keep your mouth closed or covered.
- Don't drink alcohol. The warming sensation associated with drinking alcohol is only momentary and comes at the body's expense.
