Stearns Safety & Survival 24MSPT-1 - Manual (Page 13)

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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 sur-
vivor, 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 recom-
mended. 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,
drawing the legs up to a seated posi-
tion, because 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 sur-
vival time.
IX. EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP YOU SAVE
YOUR OWN LIFE
For your PFD to function properly, follow these suggestions to verify that
it fits, floats, and remains in good condition.
1. Check the status of the inflator and make sure that the status indicator
is green. Check before each outing.
2. Get in the habit of rearming the inflation mechanism right after each
inflation.
3. Try your wearable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and
out of the water.
4. Mark your PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.