Victims caught in an avalanche are advised to try to escape to side of the avalanche. If not possible, grab onto a tree, brush or rock (each second one hangs on lets snow pass by that cannot bury one). If knocked off one's feet, then jettison their equipment (if possible) and FIGHT for your life. Rolling like a log may help one escape to the side. Conventional wisdom says to make swimming motions to stay on the surface. Anecdotal stories tell successes; however, analysis of avalanche motion and physics dispute swimming. Avalanches stop quickly and if under the snow it is critical to get a hand in front of the face to create an airspace before the snow stops. If one is near the surface they may try to thrust an arm, leg or object above the surface. If it is possible, try to break free once the snow stops. If unable to move do not struggle except to enlarge the air space.