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TM 55-1905-220-14-2
2-212. LIFE BOATS (Cont).
Water is most essential for survival. Unless there is abundant fresh water from rainfall, you must reduce to a minimum
the output of water from your body as only in this way can you reduce the amount you drink safely. Reduce output of
water by laying still to reduce sweating. Do not drink alcohol in any form. Eat only the food provided in the emergency
pack - other food takes water from the body to aid in digestion. Bathe in sea water to reduce sweating if hot, but on no
account drink sea water - even diluted. When it rains, drink all the water you can and store the rest in anything that can
be used; emergency pack bags, sponges, etc. Some water can be collected in the sponge from condensation off the
inside canopy or morning dew on the outside canopy.
USE OF DISTRESS SIGNALS
Like most man-made devices there is a right way and a wrong way to use distress signals.
The following hints are intended to assist you to obtain the maximum benefit from your distress signals should you be in
the unfortunate position of having to use them.
SIGNALLING BY NIGHT
The maximum ranges at which distress signals can be seen at night in good visibility conditions are as follows:
Rocket Parachute Signals
25-35 miles (40 to 56 km)
Hand Flares
5-10 miles (8 to 16 km)
NOTE
Remember that these ranges will be reduced consider-
ably in poor visibility conditions such as usually
exist when distress signals are required to be
used .
In view of the above it is obviously a waste of valuable signals to display them unless the following conditions exist:
(a)
PARACHUTE SIGNALS. You have good reasons to believe that a
possible rescue ship, or an aircraft, or an inhabited shore,
is within the estimated visibility range of your signals.
(b)
HAND FLARES. The lights of a ship or aircraft or lights on
shore are visible to you.
To Save Your Signals May Save Your Life.
2-846


 


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