BOATING SAFETY
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WARNING
BURN HAZARD
Gasoline floating on water which is ignited can cause death or serious injury.
Gasoline will float on top of water and can burn. If the boat is abandoned,
swim upwind, far enough to avoid fuel that can spread over the surface of
the water.
Capsizing and Swamping
A boat may capsize or swamp when least expected. Formulate a plan in advance
on what to do if it should happen. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
• Try to turn the engine OFF to prevent damage.
• If others were on board, try to locate them, make sure they are conscious
and that they can swim.
• Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can lead to
hypothermia. This is the abnormal lowering of internal body temperature.
If a leak is discovered, immediately determine the cause. A collision with an
underwater object could cause the hull to develop a leak. A loose fitting hose
clamp on a piece of equipment could cause a leak. Try to repair the leak if
possible. If a leak is threatening the safety of you and your passengers, call or
signal for assistance.
Staying Afloat
• Remain calm. Do not thrash about or try to remove clothing or footwear.
This leads to exhaustion and increases the loss of air that may keep
you afloat.
• Keep your lifejacket (PFD) on.
• Keep your knees bent.
• Float on your back and paddle slowly to safety.
Collisions
If a collision occurs, immediately account for all passengers. Assess the hull
for damage and activate the bilge pumps to reduce any water intake. Try to
operate the boat to keep the damaged area above water. If necessary, call or
signal for assistance.
Grounding
In the event you run aground, assess the situation before proceeding. Imme-
diately stop any water from entering the boat. Inspect the rudder and rudder
control system, the hull, propeller and strut for damage. Maneuver the boat to
safe water only if the hull and all operating systems are in satisfactory operat-
ing condition. Otherwise, call or signal for assistance.
Water Rescue (Man Overboard)
Immediately react to a person who has fallen overboard. Keep the victim
constantly in your sight. Safely return to the victim as soon as possible. Throw the
person a life preserver. Turn off the engine and help the person into the boat if
someone is thrown or washed overboard. It may be possible to revive a drown-
ing victim who has been under water for some time and shows no sign of life.
Start CPR immediately and get the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible.
Reporting Accidents
Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident report with
their state boating law enforcement agency or local authority when their
boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident must be
reported if there is a loss or probable loss of life, personal injury requiring
medical attention, damage exceeding $500, or there is a complete loss of the
boat. If any of these conditions arise, seek further assistance from local law
enforcement personnel.
Medical Emergency
Be prepared in the event of an emergency. Know how to use your first aid kit. Be
aware of any special medical conditions of your passengers.
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