Stranded in the ocean will drinking small amounts of salt water increase your chances of survival?

Question

Would you live any longer by drinking small amounts of salt water over dying from dehyration? What is the max amount of salt water you could reasonably drink in a day.

Answer 1

Salt water actually dries you out because you need more water to dilute the salt.  So even a small amount doesn't help.

Answer 2

No, drinking salt water is something you do when you can't take it anymore and want to end it. If you're stranded, don't drink it! If you drink a tiny bit, you'll most likely think "maybe a bit more wouldn't hurt," and then you'll eventually drink yourself to death.

Hope you don't get stranded in the ocean!

Answer 3

I have heard of extream measures taken to get water into the body when only salt water is available, one was to use the salt water as an e***a.  Once in the large intestine the water would be absorbed and the salt left behind so to speak!  Though I am not sure it will have immediate effect to wet your whistle.

You're welcome!!

Answer 4

No, it could contribute to an earlier demise..Your best bet would be to rig up a tarp or piece of plastic to catch any rain, or to act as a solar still. But, drinking ocean water can, and will kill you, in a very painful way.

Answer 5

i think the answer is yes - if its a small regular amount it is ok