Texas Hunter Education Certification Practice Exam

What should you do if you fall into cold water while boating?

1. Swim to warm up

2. Remove clothing to reduce weight

3. Try to get out of the water as quickly as possible

4. Keep your clothes on to help retain body heat

The correct answer is: Keep your clothes on to help retain body heat

When you fall into cold water while boating, retaining your clothing can be beneficial for maintaining body heat. This is because wet clothing can still trap some warmth close to your body, providing insulation to help slow down hypothermia, which is a significant risk in cold water situations. Removing clothing, as suggested in another option, might seem like a way to reduce weight, but it can actually increase heat loss. Additionally, swimming energetically to warm up may lead to fatigue and exhaust you, which can be dangerous in cold water. The focus should instead be on protecting the body's core temperature and finding safe measures to exit the water when possible. Staying calm and keeping your clothing on maximizes the insulation they offer and aids in conserving your body's heat until you can get out of the water safely.