: My final point is that even if one is waiting for the USCG to come
: to the rescue, kicking towards shore or even in circles will
: keep a person warmer than just waiting--even if one is swimming
: in place (I've experienced this in workouts. Treading water in
: one place isn't as warming as swimming/kicking. Even to the
: point of exhaustion it isn't. Ever done the 'hold your hands in
: the air and tread water'?)

: Just thinking.

From USCG RESCUE AND SURVIVAL SYSTEMS MANUAL, pg 2-23:
"Contrary to popular belief, the survivor should not swim around in efforts to keep warm. This will only increase the rate of heat loss and speed the onset of hypothermia."
http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/10000-10999/cim_10470_10f.pdf

Though a lot of the USCG manual pertains to liferaft conditions, it does make for an interesting read........