In an emergency that leaves you stranded or incapacitated, use your head and follow these seven universal survival steps from former Alaska kayak guide and search and rescue team member tom Watson. (To remember the seven steps, use the acronym KISSWEP.)
STEP 1: KNOW
Know that you are in trouble. Acceptance is the first step to developing your best survival tool: a positive mental attitude.
STEP 2: INVENTORY
Assess the immediate area for further danger; assess for injuries to self and others; assess the surroundings for resources you can use in the following steps.
STEP 3: SHELTER
Keep dry and warm. Hypothermia is a constant threat. Building a fire is secondary if bad weather is near. Once shelter is secure, work on the fire!
STEP 4: SIGNAL
Use anything that draws attention and stands out in contrast to background or surroundings. Develop several ways to be seen: bright clothes, fires by night, smoke by day, signal mirrors.
STEP 5: WATER
Find it, purify it and drink it—often. Look for dew on leaves, grass, or rainwater runoff. Filter all ground-source water if you can.
STEP 6: EAT
You need food for fuel. Consider berries, some barks, tide pool critters. But if you don’t know what it is, don’t eat it! And don’t eat much if you don’t have water as well.
STEP 7: PLAY
Yes, play, not pray. games help to keep spirits up. Unless it’s dangerous, it’s best to stay put and keep a positive mental attitude. focus on rescue. Be a survivor!
This article first appeared in the Spring 2009 issue of Adventure Kayak Magazine. For more great content, subscribe to Adventure Kayak’s print and digital editions here.
