ASTM F1729-96(2007)

This practice establishes a single person cold water survival/rescue procedure.

All persons who are identified as water rescuers shall meet the requirements of this practice.

This practice is intended to assist government agencies, state, local, or regional organizations; fire departments; and rescue teams and others who are responsible for establishing a minimum performance for personnel who respond to water emergencies.

A rescuer needs to be wearing a personal flotation device to perform this technique. These devices should conform to standards set by the appropriate national regulatory authority, that is, the U.S. Coast Guard in the United States, and be in good and serviceable condition.

A water rescuer sometimes may be immersed in cold water for prolonged periods of time. They are unable to get to shore or shore is too far away, rescue is not imminent, no boat is available to get into or on top of, and no flotsam is available. The water rescuer needs to assume a defensive posture to conserve heat and increase survival time.

1.1 This practice covers the recommended water rescue procedure for performing the heat escape lessening posture (HELP) position.

1.2 This practice is one in a set of self-rescue techniques for the water rescuer.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.