Falling off a vessel without a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is a life-threatening emergency demanding an immediate and calculated response. The absence of a PFD dramatically increases the risk of drowning and exposure-related fatalities. Surviving depends entirely on rapid, deliberate actions focused on stabilizing the body’s initial reaction to the cold, conserving energy, and signaling for help.
The Critical First Minute: Controlling Shock and Breathing
The most immediate danger upon falling into water below 70°F (21°C) is not hypothermia, but the cold shock response. This involuntary physiological reaction causes an immediate, uncontrollable gasp for air, followed by 30 to 90 seconds of rapid, shallow breathing known as hyperventilation. If the head is submerged during this initial gasp, the person will inhale water, which is the leading cause of immediate drowning in cold water accidents.
The absolute priority for the first minute is controlling breathing. Consciously attempt to slow the breath rate, keeping the mouth and nose clear of the water’s surface. The cold shock response is temporary, and hyperventilation will subside once the skin temperature begins to stabilize.
Once breathing is stable (typically after one to two minutes), visually locate the vessel or any debris that could offer flotation. Do not attempt to swim vigorously toward the boat; cold water rapidly incapacitates muscles and leads to exhaustion. Swimming should only be attempted if the vessel or a safe object is within a very short, manageable distance.
Maintaining Flotation Without Exertion
After the initial shock passes, the focus must shift to conserving energy and heat by adopting a low-exertion flotation technique. High-effort actions like treading water or swimming exhaust the body quickly and accelerate heat loss. The strategy is to remain on the surface for the longest possible duration with minimal muscle use.
The survival float, sometimes called “drown-proofing,” is an effective passive technique that utilizes the lungs’ natural buoyancy. Begin by relaxing the body into a vertical, face-down position with the arms and legs dangling, allowing the water to support the weight. The body will float with the back of the head near the surface due to the air held in the lungs.
To take a breath, gently press down with the hands and use a small, slow scissors kick to raise the head just enough to clear the mouth and nose. Exhale completely before the head drops back below the surface, then take a deep breath and return to the relaxed, face-down position. This cycle minimizes muscle movement.
If wearing long pants, they can potentially be converted into a makeshift flotation device. By tying knots in the bottom of the pant legs and then trapping air inside the waist opening, a temporary buoy can be created. This technique requires significant effort and should only be attempted if the person has successfully stabilized their breathing and has control of their movements.
Strategies for Minimizing Heat Loss
The next threat is hypothermia, which occurs as the body loses heat to the water up to 25 times faster than to air of the same temperature. Keeping clothing on is beneficial, as layers of fabric trap water warmed by the body, providing a small layer of insulation. Wet clothes do not pull a person down, and trapped air can also contribute to buoyancy.
To slow the rate of core temperature drop, the survivor must protect the areas of the body where heat loss is fastest. These areas include:
- Head
- Neck
- Groin
- Armpits
The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) is designed to reduce the surface area exposed to the water, although it is more challenging to maintain without a PFD.
In the H.E.L.P. position, the survivor draws their knees up to their chest and wraps their arms around their knees. This fetal-like curl covers the groin and presses the inner arms against the chest and armpits. If multiple people are in the water, the huddle technique is significantly more effective, requiring survivors to press their chests together and wrap their arms around each other’s middle sections.
Alerting Others and Preparing for Recovery
Once flotation and heat conservation are addressed, signaling for help becomes the priority. The person overboard should yell “Man Overboard” or use a whistle, if one is accessible, as sound travels effectively over water. Conserve energy by waving a brightly colored article of clothing or using a reflective object to catch the attention of the vessel or passing traffic.
Cold incapacitation (the loss of muscle strength and dexterity) begins within minutes of cold immersion. This loss of function means the ability to perform complex tasks, such as grasping a thin line or climbing a ladder, will quickly diminish. Therefore, signaling must begin before this incapacitation sets in.
When rescue is imminent, prepare for recovery by staying calm and keeping movement minimal. Cooperate with rescuers by keeping limbs close to the body, allowing them to use equipment like slings or nets for the lift. The period just before, during, or immediately after rescue carries the risk of circum-rescue collapse (a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart function). Remaining still and allowing a slow, horizontal lift minimizes this risk and maximizes the chance of a successful recovery.