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Boating Safety
Swamping and Flooding
In the event that the vessel begins to take on water, turn on the bilge pump to evacuate
water and slow its accumulation, and try to determine the source of the water. A collision
with an underwater object can cause the hull to develop a leak. A loose fitting hose clamp
on a piece of equipment can 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.
• Turn on bilge pump(s).
• Access PFDs, pass them out to everyone, and put them on.
• Identify source of leak and try to stop the leak and flooding.
• STAY WITH THE BOAT! A boat will usually float even if there is major hull
damage. Rescuers can spot a boat much easier than a head bobbing in the water.
• Signal or call for help.
• If others were on board, try to locate them, make sure that they are conscious and that
they can swim.
• Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can lead to hypothermia (the
abnormal lowering of internal body temperature).
Capsizing
• If others were on board, try to locate them, make sure that they are conscious and
they can swim.
• If possible, access lifejackets (PFDs), pass them out to everyone, and put them on.
• STAY WITH THE BOAT! A boat will usually float even if there is major hull
damage. Rescuers can spot a boat much easier than a head bobbing in the water.
• Signal or call for help.
• Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can lead to hypothermia (the
abnormal lowering of internal body temperature).
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
• Immediately account for all passengers.
• Check for injuries.
• If any person is in the water make sure they have proper flotation devices.
• Assess the hull for damage.
• Activate the bilge pump(s) to reduce any flooding.
• Try to operate the boat to keep the damaged area above water.
• If necessary, call or signal for assistance.
• STAY WITH THE BOAT!
Chapter 1_15_Axis.qxp_ Chapter 1 doc.qxd 6/27/14 12:15 PM Page 54
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