FIRST CLASS SCOUT

Survival Skills

Splashing air into the pants is the quickest and easiest means of inflation, but it might take some practice before you can do it just below the surface, cup your hand in the air, and strike the water well. Hold the waistband open water just in front of the pants Follow through so that the air pulled down by your hand enters the opening of the pants You should move the air just below the surface and then sideways so that it bubbles upward into the pants. The method will not work if you fail to lift your hand clear of the water or if yon strike directly downward. If you have difficulty with this method, you can fill the pants by blowing air into them from beneath.

When the pants are inflated, grasp the waist with the fly toward you and place your head through the opening between the legs. Rest your head on the knot, lie back, and relax. If you have a belt, bunch the belt loops, run the belt around one of your legs, and refasten. Your hands are now free for signaling or slowly swimming a backstroke toward shore.

Air will escape from your pants if you allow the material to dry. Splash water over them occasionally When needed, air can be added simply by loosening the waist and splashing in air; the pants need not be removed