Heat escape lessening position

The heat escape lessening position (HELP), is a way to position oneself to reduce heat loss in cold water

Water

Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O. A water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on Earth with its solid state, ice, and gaseous state . Water also exists in a...

. It is taught as part of the curriculum in Australia, North America and Ireland for lifeguard and boating safety training. It involves essentially positioning one's knees together and hugging them close to the chest using one's arms.
Furthermore, groups of people can huddle together in this position to conserve body heat, offer moral support and provide a larger target for rescuers.

The HELP position is an attempt to reduce heat loss enough to lessen the effect of hypothermia

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functions which is defined as . Body temperature is usually maintained near a constant level of through biologic homeostasis or thermoregulation...

. Hypothermia is a condition where, essentially, bodily temperature drops too low to perform normal voluntary or involuntary functions. Cold water causes a type of this called immersion hypothermia, that can cause damage to extremities or the body's core.

H.E.L.P. -- Heat Escape Lessening Postures
This position reduces exposure of high heat loss areas of the body. Wearing a Personal flotation device

Personal flotation device

A personal flotation device is a device designed to assist a wearer, either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat.Devices designed and approved by authorities for use by...

allows you to draw your knees to your chest and your arms to your sides.