If rescue is not imminent – your number one priority is to get yourself out of the water as soon as possible. You can do this either by climbing onto your capsized boat or any other floating objects, or if it is within reach by swimming to shore. In cold water, person may only retain the ability to swim for up to 30 minutes, but typically it is usually much less than that. The sooner you can get your body out of the water the greater your chances of survival will be.