When should food or water be taken after boarding a lifeboat?

• A. Immediately upon boarding
• B. After 12 hours
• C. After 24 hours
• D. After leaving the lifeboat

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how long to wait before taking food or water after boarding a lifeboat. Right after boarding, your body is stressed, you may be seasick, and the lifeboat carries limited supplies. Delaying intake for about 24 hours helps prevent vomiting or choking if the motion is rough and gives your stomach time to settle. It also conserves precious water and rations for what could be a long wait for rescue. After the first day, you can start with small sips of water and light, digestible food to maintain hydration and energy as you continue to await help. Drinking or eating immediately can strain a queasy stomach and waste scarce resources, while waiting too short a time or choosing an unrelated moment isn’t practical in a survival situation.