FIRST CLASS SCOUT

Survival Skills

If you ever fall Into deep water far from shore, inflating your shirt and pants are survival Skills that can keep you afloat until you are rescued or can make your way to safety.

These techniques will involve maintaining vourself in deep, water for several minutes. You will have to develop your scissors kick or "rotor" for treading water, learn ro rest by floating occasionally, and learn to relax in a facedown float whi1e you tie a square knot and prepare the clothing for inflation.

If you fall into the water wearmg a button-up shirt made of cotton or other tightly woven fabric, you can stay afloat by trapping air In the shirt's back and shoulders. Button the top collar button. Open a space between the shirt's second and third buttons, roll forward so that your mouth is below the opening, and then blow into it, Hold the collar tight and keep your elbows down to prevent air leakage.

Pants of closely woven fabrlc can be turned into an effective life jacket. While wearing the inflated shirt, remove the pants carefully. Do not turn them inside out. Next, inflate a pocket with a puff of air. (The pocket will support the pants should you lose contact.) Now tie the pant legs together as near to the ends as you can. Pull the knot tight and close the fly.