A very good post above. If I could add a couple more details, based on my HUET training:
* Before ditching, attach your liferaft's painter line to the aircraft (e.g., to a seatframe). This prevents it from drifting away from you, esp. in rough seas (if you're thinking the aircraft will go down with the liferaft tied to it, the painter line has a weak link which will break after the hydrostatic valve inflates the raft).
* A landing in cold waters is for practical purposes non-survivable unless you are wearing an immersion suit or other adequate protection, and are trained for the eventuality. Ever heard of cold shock? You can read about what it's like on
this PDF, for example.
But again, the above was a very good post. Anyone who has not been trained (or experienced it!) and is thinking of posting "advice", should reconsider twice before hitting "Submit"--unplanned immersion in water is nothing like you think it is.