Originally Posted by
FirstInFlight
It really doesn't matter what is on the video - in a crisis situation most people will panic and forget even the clearest instruction.
If you ever get the chance to attend an airline survival class do so. I did and practicing a smoke filled evacuation, using the slide, opening the overwinter exit and sealing with the door are all things for which you are not prepared. Inflating the life jacket, jumping into a pool, swimming to the raft and trying to climb into it - unbelievably harder than expected.
Great fun and eye opening. You will never sit more than a few rows from an exit ever again.
Re. the bolded - I think that is the one potential situation I am very well prepared for, based on the "water competency" training required for some kayaking programs. Before going on a kayak trip, I had to swim 25 yards from lake shore to a waiting kayak, in 60 degree water, while fully clothed (including shoes) and wearing a life jacket, then climb into a kayak, place the spray skirt, flip the kayak, exit while upside down/under water, and swim 25 yards back to shore. Not fun at all, but good to know I can handle basic survival swimming in really bad conditions.