With temperatures dropping below freezing and both canoes destroyed, the risk of hypothermia and being stranded is severe. Rescue is unlikely for at least five days.

The first actions should focus on survival: building shelter to stay dry, starting a fire for warmth, treating injuries with duct tape and clean water, and rationing the remaining food.

Assigning roles—like fire tending and lookout—and setting up signals for rescue (e.g., SOS signs and smoke) are also important steps.

Key survival items include dry matches, sleeping bags, duct tape, parachute cord, the map and compass, water purification tablets, and the limited food. Whiskey can help start fires or clean wounds, and the Frisbee may be useful for signaling. These essentials will help the group endure until help arrives.