In a water landing, what must the FA instruct passengers to do?

• A. Inflate infant life vests after exiting A/C; obtain extra seat cushions and throw to pax.
• B. Remain seated with life vests under seat.
• C. Put on life jackets only after reaching shore.
• D. Disable infant life vests to save space.

Answer: (A)

In a water landing the priority is a quick, organized exit followed by staying afloat with flotation aids. The flight attendant will direct passengers to don life jackets and to inflate infant life vests after leaving the aircraft, so movement toward the exits isn’t hindered by bulky gear and everyone is buoyant once in the water. Additional flotation aids, like seat cushions, should be collected and then thrown to passengers to help keep people afloat until rescuers arrive. This approach minimizes delay during evacuation and maximizes chances of staying buoyant in the water. Remaining seated delays evacuation, delaying flotation; inflating life jackets only after reaching shore defeats the purpose of immediate buoyancy in the water; and disabling infant life vests is dangerous and not permitted.