What should you focus on when you first enter cold water?

When you first enter cold water, focusing on performing essential functions before losing dexterity is crucial. Cold water can quickly impact your body's ability to move and function effectively. Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia and drastically decrease your muscle function and coordination. By prioritizing essential actions, such as signaling for help or attempting to stabilize your situation, you can maximize your chances of survival before the cold begins to impair your ability to do so.

The other options, while seemingly reasonable, could lead to increased risk. Locating a warmer area might not be immediately feasible depending on your surroundings. Swimming to the nearest boat may exhaust you and, due to the cold, lead to a rapid loss of energy and strength. Shouting for help may attract attention, but if you're losing dexterity and warmth, you might not be in a position to maintain that effort for long. Therefore, staying functional and taking the most critical actions first is the best strategy when entering cold water.