What should survivors in the water do to maintain body heat?

• A. Float independently until rescue
• B. Swim toward the nearest boat
• C. Cling to debris
• D. Form a small circular group to create a warmer pocket of water in the center of the circle

Answer: (D)

Staying together in a tight circle to share body heat is the way to conserve warmth in cold water. When survivors huddle closely, they reduce the amount of surface area exposed to cold water and wind, which slows heat loss from convection, evaporation, and contact with the water. The group also benefits from collective warmth, creating a warmer microenvironment around them as body heat is shared among those nearby. This is more effective than each person trying to float alone, swim toward a boat, or cling to debris, which either wastes energy or offers less insulation. The idea of a warmer pocket of water in the center describes how the combined heat from the group raises the local temperature a bit, helping everyone stay warmer until rescue. Stay close, keep movement to a minimum, and stay calm.