Surviving on a deserted island might seem impossible, but it’s not! With this article, you’ll be ready to face all dangers, like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe. Grab your bag and your torch, and venture into this survival guide. At the end of the journey? Seven invaluable reflexes that will ensure your survival on a deserted island. 🏝️
1. Gather Everything from Your Boat ⛵️
The first step, if you haven’t crashed yet: gently land on the island’s beach. Now that your ship or raft has reached the sand, make the most of it. Gather everything necessary for your survival: luggage, first aid kits, ropes, wood, and fabrics.
Basically, everything that might come in handy for building shelter, making tools, and surviving even in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. You need to stack the odds in your favor from the very start! Don’t forget to check the shoreline too.
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2. Find Freshwater 💧
After just 24 hours, the human body begins to show signs of dehydration. Yep, we’re about 60% water, so this is your main mission. Without water, death can occur in just three days. Dehydration can seriously impair your judgment (as can loneliness). So you’ll need to explore this hostile environment to find a freshwater source. Here’s where to look:
- Look for a stream or waterfall deep within the island.
- Get water from coconuts, cacti, or from the base of leaves.
- Collect rainwater in containers or any waterproof material.
- Create a solar still, a device that uses the sun to separate water from contaminants.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid drinking seawater! It’s salty, and it will dehydrate you faster!
3. Build a Shelter to Sleep in ⛺️
Crabs pinching your toes, spiders, mosquitoes, wild animals, and predators lurking (who are probably just as scared as you) — nope, that’s not a restful night! You won’t sleep without some kind of protection. Opt for a sheltered spot away from the wind and high up to avoid flooding.
To build an emergency shelter with minimal materials, you can:
- Create a tipi with branches covered in leaves. You can wedge a large branch between trees to support other branches or arrange them in a triangle and tie them at the top.
- Make a hammock using ropes and bamboo (Bear Grylls style).
- Use the sails of your boat or tarps to save time.
Now that you’re safe, you can move on to one of the most important elements of survival on a deserted island: fire.
4. Fire, It’s Useful for Everything! 🔥
We imagine it glowing along cave walls, or picture ourselves warming our hands with a nice cup of tea (maybe not that much). Fire will allow you to do so many things! It’ll help you warm up and increase your survival chances. You can also use it to cook food, make tools, and purify water. In short, fire is your survival companion. Here are some ways to start a fire:
- By miracle, you might have a working lighter. If so, just light it on some kindling!
- A flint (yes, like the Flintstone family). This survival tool is a must-have in any kit.
- The friction method (you’ve probably seen it on survival shows). It involves creating fire from the friction of two pieces of wood.
At this stage, your future on the deserted island should be looking a bit brighter. But what about food?
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5. Look for Something to Eat (Plants, Fishing, Hunting) 🥥
Now that you’ve secured freshwater, your body will soon demand food. You’ll need to replenish your energy and regain strength. After all the hard work, fatigue is setting in. To find food, you can forage, fish, or hunt, depending on what’s available and your dietary preferences. Our best tip? Test the toxicity of plants before devouring them. Rub the plant on a sensitive part of your skin (like your wrist), wait 45 minutes, and if no irritation appears, try rubbing it on your lips. No irritation? You can eat it! Burning or itching? Be careful — it’s probably toxic.
6. Protect Your Skin from Insects and the Sun 🌞
“Oh, what a lovely patch of skin!” That’s what mosquitoes, the sun, or any other predators will think when they spot you. To survive on a deserted island, whether it’s hot or cold, remember to protect your skin from these external threats. You can cover your arms and legs with clothing or fabrics if you have them. If not, use mud or clay, which will act as a natural barrier.
7. Create a Distress Signal… The Ultimate Goal for Survival! 🔥🔥🔥
Unless you’re planning to live your entire life on this island, you’ll want to signal for help. There are a few techniques to achieve this:
- Light three big fires in a triangle to be seen from far away at night. This is the international distress signal.
- Arrange stones on the ground to form an “SOS” — an internationally recognized distress signal for immediate assistance.
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Conclusion
Surviving on a deserted island may seem like an impossible challenge, but with the right reflexes, you can turn this ordeal into an exciting adventure. The 7 essential steps mentioned in this article — from gathering materials to creating a distress signal — are your allies in ensuring your survival. Remember: water is your top priority, followed by shelter, fire, food, protection, and a good signal for help. With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to face the unknown like a true adventurer!
FAQ
1. What’s the first thing to do if I find myself on a deserted island?
The first thing to do is to gather all available materials (luggage, first aid kit, ropes, wood) to help you build a shelter and secure water.
2. Why is finding fresh water crucial right away?
Fresh water is essential for survival because without it, the human body cannot function for more than 3 days. Dehydration can also impair your judgment, making the adventure even more dangerous.
3. How do I build a shelter on a deserted island?
You can create a makeshift shelter using branches, leaves, sails, or any natural materials found around you. The key is to choose a spot sheltered from wind and moisture.
4. What are the best ways to start a fire?
The most effective method is using a fire starter. If you don’t have one, you can also try creating friction with wood or use a lighter (if available).
5. What can I eat on a deserted island?
Food resources depend on the island, but you can search for edible plants, fish, or hunt. Always test the toxicity of fruits before consuming them.
6. How can I protect myself from insects and the sun?
Use clothing or fabrics to cover your skin. If none are available, you can apply mud or clay to create a protective barrier against the sun and insects.
7. How can I signal for help?
Create a distress signal by lighting three fires in a triangle or arranging stones to form an “SOS” shape. This will increase your chances of attracting attention from rescuers.