Survivalist Tip: Since today is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, I need to emphasize that you should know how to swim. I know that seems macabre, but we’re talking survival techniques here. There’s a good chance, however, that you learned how to swim as a child. If you didn’t, I don’t feel it’s too late. Otherwise, you could pretty much resign yourself to a watery fate. When the apocalypse hits, the Earth’s axes might shift, which could cause massive tsunamis to sweep far inland. It also could cause dams to rupture. Either way, you need to be prepared should you suddenly find yourself inundated by water.
First, don’t try to outrun a tsunamic wave. Anyone who hasn’t gotten out of its way by the time it hits the coastline, is either drunk or an idiot. In both cases, the “New Universe” is better off without them. Regardless, just wait until second before the wave reaches you and jump into the air. When you come down, the water will catch you.
Second, don’t panic. More people drown because they panic than because they can’t swim. One key to surviving in a post-apocalyptic world is to keep your senses about you. This is how the ancient Mayans and their contemporaries around the globe survived in a hostile world without rescue swimmers, 911, or the Internet to tell them how to do basic stuff.
Third, learn how to tread water and float on your back in water. This is essential should you be adrift for a while.
Finally, swimming can be great exercise as it’s good for your cardiovascular system. Lounging in a hot tub with a beer doesn’t count as swimming. Neither does water volleyball with a piña colada in one hand.
Knowing how to swim is a basic, essential skill every survivalist must have. The ancient Mayans often plunged into sacred freshwater cenotes and swam underwater for hours. This is one way they connected with the deities. Remember, water is the most critical element for all life on Earth. You should learn how to respect and appreciate it. If you haven’t by now, just have a piña colada and say to hell with it. You won’t make it anyway.
Chief Writing Wolf 