Colorado Hunter Education Practice Exam

What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water?

1. Swim to keep warm

2. Remove clothing to reduce weight

3. Try to reboard your boat immediately

4. Assume a heat escape lessening position (HELP)

The correct answer is: Assume a heat escape lessening position (HELP)

Falling overboard into cold water can be extremely dangerous and typically leads to hypothermia. If you are trying to swim to keep warm, you are expending more energy and your body will fatigue faster, making it harder to stay afloat and potentially leading to drowning. Removing clothing could also cause potential safety hazards if the water is choppy or if you are unable to reboard your boat immediately. Although it may seem counterintuitive, assuming a heat escape lessening position (HELP) is the best course of action. This position involves bringing your knees to your chest and hugging them, which helps to conserve heat and maintain body temperature until help arrives.