Combat Water Survival

Front 1

Drown proofing methods consist

Back 1

Sweep and T

Front 2

The sweep works well if you have:

Back 2

slight to excellent positive buoyancy. To execute the sweep

Front 3

To execute the sweep: (6)

Back 3

1 Float face down in the water; bend 45 degrees at the waist, arms and legs dangling, head hanging down, all muscles relaxed.
2 Spread your feet slowly to prepare for a single scissors- kick (one leg is forward and one leg is rearward).
3 Cross your arms in front of your chest, palms outboard with the back of each hand touching the opposite ear.
4 Exhale prior to raising your head for a breath.
5 Bring your legs together and sweep your arms down and out until the arms are fully extended out to the sides. This raises your face above the water and allows you to catch a breath of air.
6 With your air supply replenished, return your face to the water and relax while sweeping your arms in a downward motion in front of your body to prevent/slow your descent. Do not hold your breath for more than 8 seconds, as any longer enhances your chances of shallow water black out and subsequent drowning

Front 4

T-Method

Back 4

a drown proofing method typically utilized by neutrally to negatively buoyant swimmers

Front 5

To execute the T-method:

Back 5

1 With your face out of the water, take a deep breath and submerge your face in the water while holding your breath.
2 Sink slightly below the surface with your body in a vertical position, arms extended from your side, and legs extended and joined.
3 Extend your arms outward (horizontal) to your sides; your body position resembles the letter “T.”
4 Simultaneously, bring your arms down to your sides while performing a “scissors-kick” with your legs.
5 Exhale most of your air and prepare to surface in order to obtain another breath of air.
6 Repeat with a deep breath and drop back below the water line.
Note: To avoid hyperventilating, hold your breath below the surface of the water for no more than 8 seconds

Front 6

The rate of heat exchange in the water is about __ times greater than it is in air of the same temperature.

Back 6

25

Front 7

Hypothermia occurs rapidly in cold water due ___ to the which has ____ that normally surrounds the body.

Back 7

decreased insulating quality of wet clothing and water - displaced the layer of still air

Front 8

You also lose about ___ of your body heat through your __; therefore, keep your head out of the water.

Back 8

50 percent - head

Front 9

Key areas of high heat loss are the (4)

Back 9

1 Head.
2 Neck.
3 Armpits/sides.
4 Groin.

Front 10

Do not __ to stay warm in cold water. Swimming, even with a slow and steady stroke, can result in hypothermia, which slows body functions and can result in serious injury or death. Remaining motionless conserves body heat -- than swimming. Swim only if you have a __.

Back 10

swim - three times longer - flotation device and the shoreline is visible

Front 11

If you are equipped with a life preserver, assume the __ to slow heat loss and to protect major blood vessels near the body’s surface. These areas lack insulating fat and are vulnerable to the chilling effects of cold water.

Back 11

heat escape lessening posture (known as the HELP position)

Front 12

To assume the HELP position:

Back 12

1 Tuck your chin down tightly to cover your throat.
2 Draw your legs up in a fetal position to protect the groin.
3 Place your arms across your chest, tuck your hands into your armpits.
4 Wear some type of head covering to lessen heat loss through the scalp if head covering is available

Front 13

If three or more Marines are in the water and are equipped with life preservers: protects vulnerable areas from heat loss

Back 13

they should wedge tightly together and lock arms to form a circle known as a huddle position

Front 14

If in the water for a prolonged period, it is recommended that everyone

Back 14

inside the huddle to maintain or rewarm each person’s internal core temperature

Front 15

If there are more than five Marines they should make:

Back 15

clusters of huddle positions

Front 16

Contact with other swimmers (7)

Back 16

1 Creates a larger target for search and rescue aircraft.
2 Provides additional warmth in cold water.
3 Improves morale.
4 Re-establishes the chain of command.
5 Reduces shock and panic.
6 Provides opportunities to administer first aid.
7 Supports exhausted Marines