Can you imagine the horror of your boat capsizing? Unfortunately, many people have died as a result. The boat can fall on its side, overturn or get filled with water. It can sink due to internal system failure, massive tides, if you stand and destabilize the centre of gravity, broken doors, missing drain pump, among other reasons. You don’t have to fear travelling in a boat. You have to prepare in case of an emergency. You should know the boating safety tips and what to do in case the boat capsizes.
Safety Tips
To survive in the water until rescue comes, you need to have safety gears. You need a flashlight, duct tape, bucket, first aid kit and a whistle. Don’t forget to carry a rope, mirror, fire extinguisher and life jacket. Check if the weather is appropriate for sailing. Ensure that the boat has the right weight. Check if there are any harmful fumes. Follow the right anchor and docking procedures. You can have your boat inspected and have a boating safety course.
In Case Your Boat Capsizes
1. Float
Floating should be your primary priority. You might know how to swim, but the boat may capsize far from the shore. Before you begin sailing, you need to have a life jacket. If the boat starts sinking and you don’t have one, avoid panicking. If you get a floating object, you need to step on it. Nearby objects like seat cushions, coolers and wetsuits can help you float. If you have empty plastic drinking bottles, you can stuff them inside your shirt. If you get hold of the waterproof dry bag, you can help you float.
2. Remaining Near Your Boat
Don’t swim away from your boat. It will be so difficult and almost impossible for rescues in the helicopter to see you. The large object in the water will draw their attention. When they check, they will spot you and help.
3. Stay Warm and Dry
If you are wondering how that can be possible, relax. It true the temperature in the water is freezing. Your chances of survival may lower if you remain in the cold water for long. But you can try to stay warm by climbing on the part of your boat not yet submerged. Don’t make a common mistake many people make of removing your clothes. The clothes will help you to stay warm and avoid jellyfish stings. They will also protect you from sunburn.
4. Don’t Splash
Your boat might capsize in an area with many sharks. They like eating meat, and you can quickly become their food. If you splash and thrash, the sharks will mistake you for wounded prey. You will be in danger of being eaten alive.
5. Make Yourself Visible
You might not be able to stay near your boat for different reasons. You still need to make the rescues see you. You can surround yourself with bright color objects floating objects. Try also to float high. If you had a mirror, you could use it for reflection. These will make the search team spot you easily.
6. Don’t Panic
Unfortunately, panicking is the first reaction to many people. They end up confused, and many end up drowning. If you remain calm, you will be able to make your priorities right. Your chances of survival will increase.
7. Be Aware Of Entanglement
Your boat could be having tether lines, fishing lines, anchor lines or nets. It could also be having some projections. When trying to climb, they may catch your clothes. You might end up drowning. If by bad luck you get entangled, don’t try to disentangle yourself by spinning. Avoid cutting the lines just for the sake. You might endanger yourself more. Remain calm and try to set yourself free cautiously.
Conclusion
You can’t predict that your boat is going to capsize. You need to take the right precautions, just in case. Safety gear should be a priority. , don’t be ignorant of the changes. Follow the When sailing, use the right procedures to avoid the risk of capsizing. If the boat capsizes, remain calm, try to float, remain visible, stay warm and, be aware of the surrounding danger.