Upon reaching land, what should survivors do first?

Upon reaching land, the first priority for survivors should be to signal for help and build a shelter if necessary. This action is crucial because it addresses immediate needs for safety and visibility. By signaling for help, survivors increase their chances of being rescued, particularly if they are in an area that may have potential rescuers nearby. Building a shelter is essential for protection against the elements, which can pose significant risks such as exposure, dehydration, or injury, especially if the survivors do not have immediate access to help.

Focusing on signaling ensures that the attention of rescuers is drawn to their location, while establishing a shelter can provide vital protection while they await rescue. It creates a sense of security and may also assist with organization among the survivors during a potentially chaotic time.

While starting a fire, searching for food and water, and exploring the surrounding area are important survival skills, they may not be the best immediate actions upon reaching land. These could lead to unnecessary risks or distractions from the most critical tasks at hand, which is ensuring survival in the short term until help can arrive.