What is the danger associated with forward-crawl swimming while wearing an ice rescue suit?

• A. The suit could easily fill with water.
• B. The suit could trap air and float you too high.
• C. The suit could overheat in warm conditions.
• D. The suit could restrict movement.

Answer: (A)

The risk comes from water entering the suit during forward, face-down swimming. Ice rescue suits are designed to trap air and keep you buoyant, but the forward-crawl stroke tends to push water through openings such as the neck and wrists or other seams. Once water gets inside, it replaces the air that provides buoyancy and adds weight, making you harder to stay afloat and control your position in cold water. The result is a higher chance of sinking or losing control, plus faster heat loss from having water inside the suit. While overheating or restricted movement can be concerns in different contexts, the primary danger specific to this swimming style in an ice rescue suit is that the suit could fill with water.