SOSpenders 33MSPT - Manual (Page 13)

13
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,
drawing the legs up to a seated position, 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 survival 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.