Don't panic. Before all else, keep a calm head and demeanor. Staying calm will allow you to continue to think clearly and to keep your energy intact. Panicking will only use up energy and cause you to lose the ability to think straight. Moreover, maintaining a calm demeanor will help to reassure others who are with you and keep them calmer too. 

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Examine yourself. Before anything else, reassure yourself that you're okay, whether you're bobbing in water or in a lifeboat. If you have any cuts or wounds, treat them. If the wounds or cuts are deep, wrap them up snugly but not to the point where it hurts. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound or on either side of it. Obviously, some treatment options cannot be performed unless and until you're out of the water but do what you can for now. 

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Assess the well being of others around you. Do the same checks that you have done for yourself, only on others now. Obviously, some treatment options cannot be performed unless and until you're out of the water. 

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If you're still in the water and lifeboats are not available, make use of debris. Clamber onto anything that could be used like a raft or cling onto floating debris. Miscellaneous debris can often be turned into makeshift rafts by tying together wood, barrels, floating items,
etc. To keep together with others, try lashing all lifeboats or makeshift items together. 

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Keep all survivors together as much as possible. Don't hesitate to take a leadership role of motivating people to remain in a group and to boost morale. Explain quickly but authoritatively that staying together as a group improves everyone's chances of survival. Being part of a group creates greater safety in the face of dangers such as predators, exhaustion, drowning, etc. and also acts as a source of comfort and support. 

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Consider whether it's possible to signal for help. If you're in a lifeboat, it should be equipped with rescue flares; read the instructions and deploy them. Be prepared to let off more flares or smoke when you are sure potential rescuers are near, to help them to pinpoint your location. Only use flares and smoke when boats or rescuers are in sight; you don't want to waste these precious resources. 

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A walk down the River.

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Unused waterway in the winter week.

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Boat licensce costs 45p.

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Stories from the city.

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Moving multi source soundscapes.

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The smallest pirate radio station in the world.

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Posted by Vahakn Matossian