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It is regarded that the best chance of survival in the event of ditching your aircraft is an immersion suit. If the ditching aircraft is a high wing type, ensure the doors are open on impact with the water and try to hold on to something attached to the aircraft. This will give you a point of reference to escape. You will go under water and you will get confused of your whereabouts. Having a point of reference will help. Do not inflate your life jacket until you are well clear of the aircraft. Also, a spray hood is an essential addition to the life jacket.
A good immersion suit will also give buoyancy. However, it is important the life jacket is inflated once clear do the aircraft as this will keep your head above water. Too much buoyancy from the immersion suite will be de-stabilizing so it is important to remove excess air before flight.
Low wing aircraft may land upright. It is however still important to have the canopy or door open or ajar especially if the aircraft inverts on impact with the water. In a low wing aircraft there is a greater chance of being able to use a dingy as it may be possible to climb into a life raft from the wing. The big problem with life rafts is climbing into them if you are already in the water, especially if the water is rough and you are suffering from the cold.
It is important to note lack of buoyancy and cold are the big dangers.
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