If you accidentally fall into a swamp and find your legs sinking, do not rush to pull them out or thrash around. The more you struggle, the faster you will sink and the quicker you will exhaust your energy. Stay calm and use one of the two methods below:
Methods to Escape from a Swamp
Method 1
Quickly and gently lean back, lying face up. Simultaneously, spread your arms wide to increase the surface area in contact with the swamp. If you have a stick, place it horizontally under your body.
Once you’re lying down, gently pull your legs up, using a backstroke position to slowly move towards the firm ground you just traversed. Reach for any tree roots or grass nearby to pull yourself closer.
Be careful with every movement, moving slowly to allow the mud and sand enough time to fill the gaps left by your limbs or body as you pull them away.
Method 2
Spread your arms and lie face down, pressing your belly and chest against the mud, placing the stick under your chest. Try to pull one leg up, bending it, pressing that whole leg against the surface of the swamp, and then slowly lift the other leg. Once both legs are free, slowly crawl like a snake or in a prone swimming position, distributing your body weight evenly.
If you have a companion who is stuck, do not rush recklessly to rescue them. Instead, instruct them to lie on their back and remain still. Then, carefully probe your way step by step. Only move closer to the victim when you are sure the ground can support your weight, throw them a rope or extend a stick for them to grab, and then help them to safety.
- If the ground beneath you is not firm, you need to lie down flat to increase your contact area before throwing a rope or handing a stick to them.
- If there are trees nearby, tie one end of the rope to the trunk and throw the other end to the victim or secure it to yourself before going to rescue them.
Preventing Sinking
Signs that indicate sinking marshland or quicksand include the presence of slowly rising groundwater. These water sources keep sand, mud, and other impurities suspended in a thin layer. Such areas are often found in tropical wetlands (sometimes covering thousands of hectares). The soil in swamps is porous and soft, making movement difficult, and there are spots with terrifying sinking power. If a person or animal falls in without knowing how to save themselves, they can drown.
Additionally, the danger is compounded by the extremely humid and cold climate of the swamp, which can lead to hypothermia. This is a dreadful area; if you get lost in such a place, it can be catastrophic.
If you must traverse a swamp, please pay attention to the following points:
- Carry a long, light stick, both to probe the ground and as a support if you get stuck.
- Stick to areas with trees, stepping on patches of grass. If the ground feels unstable when you step down, do not proceed; find a way around.
- Areas with flat ground, devoid of vegetation, appearing dark green or covered in moss are often quagmires. Be cautious.
- Absolutely avoid moving through the swamp at night or during storms, fog, or snowfall. At those times, seek a dry, sheltered spot to wait for a better opportunity.
- Do not remove your backpack or raincoat while moving through the swamp. If you sink, these items will act as floats, increasing resistance.
- If you have companions, it is best to tie yourselves together to help each other in case of emergencies.
- Since you need to avoid marshes and obstacles, it is easy to lose your sense of direction. Regularly check with a compass. If you don’t have one, choose a visible landmark to head towards.
- Although swamp water is plentiful, most of it is undrinkable. Collect rainwater or water from fast-flowing streams instead.
- Try to keep your clothes dry, as nights in the swamp can be very cold, leading to frostbite.
- If you must stay in the swamp, create paths by laying down boards, logs, branches, or dry grass, or mark traversable areas.
In general, swamps are terrible places to move through or live in. If possible, you should take a detour to avoid them.
