What should you do if you suddenly find yourself in cold water?

If you suddenly find yourself in cold water, putting on a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and getting into the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) position is the most effective response. The HELP position helps to conserve body heat and reduce the risk of hypothermia, which is a critical concern in cold water situations. When you minimize the exposure of your body to the cold water, particularly your extremities, you can retain heat more effectively, thereby extending your survival time while you await rescue.

While swimming vigorously may seem like a logical response, it can deplete your energy quickly and increase heat loss. Similarly, staying still might not be advisable if rescue is not imminent, and treading water could lead to exhaustion. Signaling for help is important, but doing so effectively while in a position that preserves body heat is vital. Therefore, using a PFD in conjunction with the HELP position maximizes your chances of survival and is the appropriate action to take in cold water emergencies.