SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-help-position

What does the H.E.L.P. position stand for in cold water survival?

Heat Escape Lessening Posture.

  1. Hold Every Life Preserver
  2. Heat Escape Lessening Posture ✔
  3. Head Elevated, Legs Paddling

Why: Pull your knees to your chest and hug your life jacket with crossed arms. This shields the body areas that lose heat fastest while you wait for rescue. It only works if you are wearing a life jacket.

Huh, didn't know that: The Coast Guard says to cover your head if possible in cold water and to button up your clothing.

The dad joke
How do you keep warm in a cold room? Go to the corner, it's 90 degrees.
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Sources

  1. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
  2. NASBLA ESP TR 101-2022, Technical Report: Basic Boating Knowledge Core + Plus Human-Propelled https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASBLA/76594a34-f3a1-4916-95ac-1e9c872170cc/UploadedImages/education/national-education-standards/ESP_TR_101_Core_Plus_Human-Propelled_2022_06_01_FINAL.pdf

Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.