What is the best way to move once you are out of the water after falling in?

When you fall into water, especially in cold conditions, it's crucial to minimize the risk of hypothermia and any potential injury from slipping or falling again. The best course of action after exiting the water is to roll or crawl away to spread your weight. This technique helps distribute your body weight over a larger area, reducing the risk of breaking through thin ice or unstable surfaces.

By rolling or crawling, you limit the pressure on any single point of the surface, which is especially important if you're on ice or fragile ground. This method ensures that you can safely move away from the water without risking further accidents.

Standing up immediately can put too much pressure on the surface beneath you, increasing your chances of falling through if it’s unstable. Running, while it may seem logical to get warm quickly, can increase the risk of injury due to slipping or falling back into the water. Lastly, waiting for help may be necessary in some situations, but it does not provide a means of immediate escape or safety if the surface is dangerous. These considerations highlight the significance of spreading your weight to enhance safety in post-fall scenarios.