When capsized and floating on your back in a swift river current, how should you position your feet?

When you find yourself capsized and floating on your back in a swift river current, positioning your feet downstream is crucial for your safety. This orientation helps you to better navigate the current and protects your body from potential hazards that may be present in the water. By keeping your feet pointed downstream, you can use them to push away from obstacles such as rocks or debris that might be hidden beneath the surface.

Additionally, positioning your feet downstream allows you to maintain a more stable and streamlined body position in the water, making it easier to keep your head above water and breathe. This technique is commonly taught in water safety courses, as it enhances your ability to react to the flow of the water while protecting vital areas of your body. Being aware of your body orientation in fast-moving water can significantly increase your chances of survival until you reach calmer waters or help arrives.