If you fall into cold water, what should you do first?

Staying still and keeping your head above water is crucial in cold water survival. When a person falls into cold water, immediately swimming vigorously can quickly lead to exhaustion and increase the risk of hypothermia. Cold water drains body heat rapidly, and thrashing about can deplete energy reserves, which is critical when in a survival situation.

By remaining still, you minimize energy consumption and allow your body to adapt to the cold water. It also helps to reduce the effects of cold shock, which can occur when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water. Keeping the head above water is vital to maintain breathing and consciousness.

While it might seem instinctual to panic or attempt to swim for safety right away, doing so can lead to dangerous outcomes. Rather than removing clothing, which might seem like a way to stay dry or reduce buoyancy, the additional thermal protection that clothing may offer can assist in retaining body heat for a longer time. This approach maximizes survival time until help arrives or until it's safe to attempt to reach a shore or safety.