Before describing chemical means of obtaining water, let’s first discuss some natural sources of fresh water, of which rain is the most common. Never discard any article that will hold water.  When it rains, every container that can possibly hold water will be invaluable.  To assist you in filling the containers, a rain-catcher tube is attached to the lifeboat canopy.  Even in a light rain, some water will drain from the canopy down through the tube.  After filling all available containers, stow them carefully so as not to lose any water.  Cover all open containers to retard evaporation, and use those containers first. During the rain drink all you can hold. In polar areas, fresh water can be obtained from old sea ice.  This ice is bluish, splinters easily, and is nearly free from salt.  New ice is milky in color, hard, and salty.  Fresh water may also be obtained from icebergs, but use caution.  As the berg’s underwater portion melts, it gets top heavy and can capsize without warning.
