It is common belief that someone dressed in heavy clothing or waders will sink immediately if they fall overboard. This is not true. Air trapped in clothing provides considerable flotation, and bending the knees will trap air in waders, providing additional flotation. To stay afloat follow these rules:

• Remain calm, do not thrash about or try to remove clothing or footwear. This leads to exhaustion and increases the loss of air that keeps you afloat.
• Keep your PFD on.
• Keep your knees bent.
• Float on your back and paddle slowly to safety.

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