What technique is recommended to avoid heat loss in cold water?

Minimizing movement is a recommended technique to avoid heat loss in cold water because it helps in conserving energy and maintaining body temperature. When a person is exposed to cold water, the body loses heat much more rapidly than in air. Rapid movements or splashing can increase the contact area with cold water and thus lead to quicker heat loss.

By minimizing movement, the body can retain heat more effectively since there is less water circulation around it. This technique allows the body to stay warmer for a longer period, which is crucial for survival until rescue occurs. Remaining still can also reduce the risk of exhaustion, which can become a critical issue in a survival scenario.

While floating on your back may help in keeping your head above water and may provide some buoyancy, it doesn’t actively help in conserving body heat as effectively as minimizing movement does. Keeping legs still is generally part of minimizing movement but isn't a comprehensive strategy on its own.