What if you found yourself in the middle of an ocean? What would you do? Like most people, you probably jumped in the water and started swimming toward shore as fast as possible. It makes it much more challenging than just running in the opposite direction. You’re likely to get tired, dehydrated, and tired again. You’re also likely to get separated from your friends and family, and you could end up in a dangerous area with no lifeguards.

So, what if you found yourself in the middle of an ocean? What would you do?

Stay dry

It’s easy to get dehydrated in the middle of the ocean. Having a trickle of water or electrolytes (essential minerals our bodies need) in your body can be very helpful when you’re in a survival situation. If you don’t have access to water or electricity, you may have to forage for food and drink your water and salt solution to stay hydrated. If you cannot drink water, you can always make a salt paste and apply it to your skin to keep yourself hydrated.

Eat Rich Food

A diet rich in protein is the key to survival, but what if you don’t have any animals to hunt or fish to catch? In this case, you have to find other ways to survive. Humans are meat-eaters by nature, so finding other protein sources can be complex. Fortunately, a few plant foods contain a lot of protein and are great for you. Though it’s difficult to get nutritious food in the middle of the ocean, still don’t lose hope and have patience.

Get A Life Jacket

The last thing you would do in the middle of the ocean goes in the water. You may not be able to swim, you may not have the right equipment, or you may not even know how to paddleboard. Make yourself as safe as possible. It’s better to be safe than sorry. You can wear a life jacket when you go in the water, and you can also bring an inflatable boat with you. These will help you stay afloat, and you’ll be less likely to take a risk and fall into the ocean.

Be Prepared For Any Condition

When things get rough, the first thing you have to think about is yourself. Are you ready to handle the rough waves? Do you have the correct strokes to get you to safety? Are you using the right equipment? Get ready for anything! You don’t know what condition the subsequent waves will be in. The only rule to follow is the self-preservation rule. You have to take care of yourself. If you don’t, who will? It’s unfair to the other people on the boat to put them in danger because you can’t swim. Always think wide and choose the most appropriate option.

Learning vital skills like swimming and boating is crucial; they come in handy in every bizarre situation.

Plan for the worst

You’re on the beach, the waves are crashing over the rocks, and you’re entirely in the dark. What do you do? In all likelihood, you’re going to panic and start swimming in circles, looking for rescue. If you’re lucky and the waves are small, it will be hard to get out of the ocean. If waves are high and you’re not prepared for the surf, you could get swept out to sea. 

What do you want to happen if you’re in the middle of the ocean and not sure where to go? Firstly try to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Just because you’re in the middle of the ocean, that doesn’t mean you have to be freezing or wet. Being too cold or wet can slow your breathing and cause a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. The thumb rule of survival is to survive. The best thing to do is expect the worst. Dry yourself and brace yourself for the worst.

Breathe 

Breathe in and out for five seconds. Your body is trying to hold more air in your lungs than getting out. If you are breathing in too fast or too long, your body produces hormones that cause anxiety and stress. It is called hyperventilation, which can lead to a condition called hysteria. If you’re not breathing in for five seconds, relax for five seconds. Do this four times, and soon you’ll start to recognize your breathing and be able to calm down.

Get in the water and swim toward the shore.

If you’re on dry land and you’ve hit an ocean wave and managed to stay afloat, you might not be aware of the unseen troubles.

There are many cases where getting into the water and swimming toward shore is the only way out of the ocean. The waves may be high, but you’re too close to the shore to be able to swim. In that case, you’d better get in the water and swim towards the nearest rock or sandbank. When you’re in the water, breathing in helps you swim faster.

The more oxygen in your bloodstream, the more energy you have. You need to get in the water and swim towards the shore. You’ve achieved some distance if you can get to shore and back.

Try to find a safe area.

You might have heard that the most important thing you can do in the middle of the ocean finds a safe area. However, in reality, the most crucial thing to do is keep your eyes and ears open and stay aware.

You’re more likely to survive in the middle of the ocean if you know you will be there. If you see a ship coming in the distance, you don’t want to be out in the middle of the ocean. If you see a ship, then you should go to shore. Luckily there are many places to go on the east coast of the United States that are un-open to the general public.

Tell someone where you are

If you can’t swim or feel too afraid to go into the water, the safest thing to do is call the emergency number for your area. Some areas have amateur radio stations that are password-protected, so you can call them and ask for help.

If you don’t know the number, look up the radio station and call it. If you know the radio signal is going to a building, you can call the number and ask for help. In all likelihood, someone will come to the rescue. Stay with those you know and have a plan for the worst.

Get to safety as fast as possible.

While you should try to save your own life, you need to prioritize saving others. Try to get in the water and swim towards the shore as fast as possible. If someone is in trouble, you need to help them. Just stay close to shore and swim until help arrives. Don’t venture out from the beach and try to find the perfect wave. Always stay close to the shore. 

Know your limits

It’s next to impossible to save everyone. You’re probably okay if you’re riding a bike and hit a pothole. But if you’re in a boat, your situation will be much worse. If you’re the only one in the boat, you will die.

Your only option is to stay put and hope someone else comes to the rescue. Using the most conservative estimate, you’re likely to die in the ocean if you don’t know how to swim.

Even in the most bizarre situation, remember to have faith 🙂

Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by ayeshayusuf