If you jump into the water from a substantial height without a life jacket, what is the correct procedure?

• A. Lie flat to reduce impact
• B. Jump feet first, covering your nose and mouth with one hand and grasping the opposing upper arm with the other.
• C. Jump head first
• D. Keep arms by sides

Answer: (B)

When jumping into water from height without a life jacket, the priority is to protect your airway and minimize injury from the impact. Entering feet first keeps your body aligned and reduces the splash and force on your head, neck, and spine, giving you better control as you enter the water.

Covering your nose and mouth with one hand helps shield your airway from immediate water intrusion on entry, while grasping the opposite upper arm with the other hand keeps your arms in a compact, protective position. This combination helps you maintain a stable, streamlined posture during entry and reduces the chance of a misalignment or injury as you hit the water.

Lying flat increases surface area on impact and can drive more force into the chest and abdomen, making injuries more likely. Jumping head first risks serious neck or spine injury, and keeping the arms by your sides offers little protection to the head or torso during entry. So the described feet-first entry with face protection and a guarded arm position is the safest approach. After entering, stay buoyant, orient to the surface, and signal for help.