<P> The heat escape lessening position (HELP) is a way to position oneself to reduce heat loss while immersed in cold water . 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 . </P> <P> The HELP is an attempt to reduce heat loss enough to lessen the effect of hypothermia . Hypothermia is essentially a condition where bodily temperature drops too low to perform normal voluntary or involuntary functions . Cold water causes "immersion hypothermia", which can cause damage to extremities or the body's core, including unconsciousness or death . </P> <P> The HELP reduces exposure of high heat loss areas of the body . Wearing a personal flotation device allows a person to draw their knees to their chest and arms to their sides, while still remaining able to breathe . </P>

Where should a person in the heat escape lessening position place their hands