Popout floats don't even last that long in warm, flat seas all the time. The only thing the floats are for is to give you time to get out of the helicopter. In cold seas, wear an immersion suit, have a life raft handy, and get into it ASAP. The floats will will fail, sooner or later, and with lots of ice, probably sooner. A twin-engine helicopter would be a wonderful idea.