Get into the water as soon as possible and begin swimming upwind. Your primary task now is to get as far away from your sinking plane or boat as possible, especially if it is sinking rapidly. When a large boat or plane finally sinks beneath the surface, it creates a suction, which can drag objects nearby with it into the depths of the ocean. Why swim upwind? Because if the plane or boat is on fire, you won’t be choking on smoke.
Look for something that floats. Hopefully, you’re already in a life jacket, but if not, search quickly for a substitute. This could be a piece of debris from the plane or the boat, a piece of wood, anything. Move methodically; never panic. You may find an empty life jacket, a piece of wood, or some other floating object—hold on and keep swimming upwind until you’re sure your boat or plane has finally been sunk.
Relax. Float on your back to conserve energy. Keep a lookout for a life raft or any other larger, floating object. If there are other survivors with you, huddle together to preserve body heat. If you have a towel or some other piece of similar fabric, wrap it around your neck—this will also preserve body heat.
Though it may be difficult to recognize the original crash site after a while, try your best to stay near it. When help arrives, it will be easier to find you the closer you are to the place where your boat or plane went down. If you are miles and miles away, however, you might never be found!
Decide what you will do to signal help. Options include using a t-shirt or other material as a signal flag. Once you’ve found something and made a decision as to how it will be used, keep it ready to signal help at a moment’s notice. When those rescue planes finally make their appearance, wave it madly around to get their attention--this could be your only chance at rescue.
