In hot, tropical weather, what can help cool personnel in an inflatable liferaft?

Using a shade cloth is an effective method to provide relief from heat in hot, tropical weather. The primary function of a shade cloth is to create a cooler microenvironment by blocking direct sunlight and reducing the amount of heat that penetrates into the liferaft. This can significantly lower the internal temperature and protect personnel from sun exposure, which is particularly important to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Inflating the side panels and deflating the floor panels may not provide effective cooling. Inflating the side panels could trap heat inside the liferaft, while deflating the floor panels does not directly address the problem of excess heat or provide shade. Utilizing water from the liferaft's reservoir could potentially help cool the environment through evaporation, but it is not as effective or immediate as providing shade.

In summary, employing a shade cloth creates a direct barrier to sunlight, allowing for better cooling and comfort for individuals in a liferaft in warm conditions.