In a group rescue in cold water, which arrangement is recommended?

• A. Stand apart in water
• B. Form circle and hug each other; squeeze thighs
• C. Huddle with arms around others and squeezing thighs
• D. Drift away to conserve energy

Answer: (C)

In cold-water rescue, staying together as a tight, compact group is the priority. A huddle with arms around each other and thighs squeezed creates a small, stable mass that minimizes surface area exposed to the cold water and helps share body heat. This arrangement makes it easier to support and monitor everyone, reduces heat loss, and helps conserve energy for the group.

Standing apart increases heat loss and drag, making the situation more dangerous. Drifting away to save energy defeats the purpose of a group approach, risking separation and reduced warmth. Forming a circle and hugging with less overall interconnection isn’t as compact or stable as the tight huddle, which is why the huddle arrangement is preferred.