TIPS FOR SURVIVAL AT SEA
HOW TO SWIM LONG DISTANCE WITH SURVIVAL BACKSTROKE When you need to swim long distance and/or stay afloat in the water for a really long time, do survival backstroke. Survival backstroke is floating on your back as you propel through the water. You use a simultaneous frog/breaststroke kick and a sculling motion with your hands. Your arms and legs move and come together at the same time. The main goal of the survival backstroke is to conserve energy and reduce heat loss. To maximize energy conservation, do the survival backstroke very slow. Take short strokes and glide for as long as possible. Only take the next stroke when you feel your legs dropping or you loose forward momentum. Take short strokes and glide for as long as possible. Short strokes minimize heat loss from under your armpits and between your legs. Your arms should not extend beyond your shoulders. Also, at the end of each stroke, bring your arms and legs together. Hold them close but comfortable against your body. ...