While adrift in an inflatable life raft in hot, tropical weather __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — deflating the floor panels may help to cool personnel

In tropical environments, the floor of an inflatable life raft can trap significant heat. Deflating the floor panels allows the cooler seawater beneath the raft to dissipate heat through the bottom fabric, providing essential thermal relief to survivors and preventing heat-related illnesses during prolonged exposure in high-temperature conditions.