Stearns Recreational 1341 User Manual
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jacket style PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as they
cover more of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs.
Some Points to Remember About Hypothermia
Protection:
1. Always wear your PFD. Even if you become incapacitated due
to hypothermia, the PFD will keep you afloat and greatly
improve your chances of rescue.
2. Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft,
fellow survivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or
climb. Swimming increases the rate of body heat loss. In cold
water, drown-proofing methods that require putting your head
in the water are not recommended. Keep your head out of
the water. This will greatly lessen heat loss and increase your
survival time.
3. Use the standard H.E.L.P. position when wearing an
inflatable PFD. Wrap your arms around your torso, under the
PFD, and draw your legs up to a seated position. Doing so
will help you conserve body heat.
4. Keep a positive attitude
about your survival and
rescue. This will improve
your chances of extending
your survival time until
rescued. Your will-to-live
does make a difference!
5. If there is more than one
person in the water,
huddling is recommended
while waiting to be rescued.
This action tends to reduce
the rate of heat loss and
thus increase the survival
time.