1. Dress in your warmest clothes.
When the signal to abandon ship is given, or if you suspect that it will be given, put on multiple layers of clothes, preferably made of wool. Wear a hat and gloves, and wrap a scarf or a towel around your neck. Clothes offer the best protection against hypothermia if your rescue is delayed.
2. Put on your life belt.
Cabins are equipped with life belts for each of the passengers; pull one over your head and securely fasten the straps. If you end up in the water, the life belt will provide additional buoyancy and allow you to save your energy for maintaining body temperature.
3. Gather any portable, high-calorie foods.
Chocolates or candy are recommended. Put them in a pocket to give you energy later.
4. Move to the top deck.
Quickly make your way to the uppermost deck of the ship, to put as much distance between yourself and the water as possible. If you are a first-class passenger, this will not be difficult, but if you are traveling third-class or in steerage, you may have to fight to reach the upper decks.
5. Get in a lifeboat.
Your best chance for survival is as a passenger on a lifeboat. Women and children will be taken onto the boats first.
6. If you cannot get into a lifeboat, jump into the water at the last possible moment.
A human can expect to live only 30 to 90 minutes in water 32° to 40°F. Remain on the ship until you see members of the crew jumping into the water; most crew members will be expected to stay with the ship until it’s about to go under. Swim toward the lifeboats to increase your chance for rescue and to get far enough from the ship that you won’t be pulled under when it goes down, but swim no farther than you have to, as any movement in cold water increases the rate of heat loss.
7. Make a makeshift life raft.
If you are unable to get onto one of the lifeboats, quickly locate a piece of floating debris to make into an emergency raft. An overturned boat, a door, or a large piece of wood are all good alternatives. If you can, find something that is large enough that you can completely climb out of the water and get on top of it, as cold water saps your body heat 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. If you can still feel your hands, wring out your wet clothes to increase their insulating value.
8. If you cannot locate debris, assume the heat escape lessening posture (HELP).
Cross your ankles, draw your knees to your chest, and cross your arms over your chest. Keep your hands high on your chest or neck to keep them warm. Remain as still as possible, as movement will drain body heat.
9. Once you are rescued, look for signs of hypothermia.
Slurred speech and a lack of shivering are signs of severe body-temperature loss.
10. Immediately rewarm your body.
Remove your wet clothing and wrap your body in several layers of warm, dry clothing. Drink warm beverages, but avoid coffee, tea, or alcohol, as they will contribute to dehydration.
Be Aware
• Cardiac arrest can occur immediately upon exposure of the head and chest to cold water, due to a sudden increase in blood pressure. Respiratory shock can also occur, wherein the cold water causes the trachea to close, making it impossible to breathe.
• A sinking ocean liner creates a column of air bubbles above it, so people who get pulled under are falling through air rather than water, decreasing their chance to resurface and survive.
