How to Make a Lifejacket

When hiking or in a survival situation, you may find yourself presented with a large body of water which must be safely crossed to continue onward toward safety. Attempting to cross a large body of water like a lake is a dangerous proposition, however, as growing tired while out in the water without a boat to rest in can prove fatal. A simple solution to make the crossing safer is to make your own life preserver using no more than the pants you are wearing.

Things You'll Need

  • Pants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your pants and inspect them for any holes or tears. If your pants have holes, you will only be able to inflate the pants from the hole to the nearest pant leg.

    • 2

      Form a loop in one pant leg as near the cuff as possible, then pass the cuff through the loop and pull tight to form a snug knot near the cuff. The closer to the cuff you tie the pant leg, the more air you will be able to trap, creating a more effective life jacket.

    • 3

      Tie a knot in the second leg so both legs are sealed off.

    • 4

      Hold your pants by the waist, with one hand by each hip of the pants, then drape the legs of the pants over one shoulder. Smooth out the pant legs so there are no twists or snags.

    • 5

      Walk out into the water until it is approximately waist deep.

    • 6

      Raise your arms up over your head, then bring your arms down quickly while using your hands to keep the top of the pants as wide-spread as possible, until the waist of the pants is under water.

    • 7

      Bring your hands together and pinch off the waist of the pants as tightly as possible to minimize air loss. The air trapped in the legs of the pants will create a bubble to float on as you cross the water.