Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What position should you adopt to conserve body heat if you fall into cold waters?

1. The fetal position

2. The H.E.L.P position

3. The starfish position

4. The swimmer's position

The correct answer is: The H.E.L.P position

The H.E.L.P position, which stands for Heat Escape Lessening Posture, is specifically designed to conserve body heat if you find yourself in cold water. In this position, you pull your knees up to your chest and hold your arms tightly against your sides. This minimizes the amount of body surface area exposed to the cold water, reducing heat loss. By staying compact, you preserve your core body temperature and can significantly extend the time you remain conscious and capable of swimming or signaling for help. Other positions do not provide the same level of heat conservation. The fetal position may help retain warmth, but it does not limit heat loss as effectively as the H.E.L.P position. The starfish position, where limbs are spread out, actually increases exposure to water and promotes heat loss, which is counterproductive in cold water situations. The swimmer’s position, often used in active swimming, does not address heat retention and could lead to more rapid cooling. Thus, the H.E.L.P position is the recommended stance for maintaining body heat in cold water scenarios.