| Boating is a wonderful activity. It is a great way to | | | | device, if not throw them one. If you can't reach |
| enjoy the beauty of oceans and lakes, and provides | | | | them, then you will need to use something that they |
| for many hours of enjoyment and fun. However, it is | | | | may grab hold of, such as a pole or an oar. If they |
| vitally important to ensure that when boating, you | | | | are still too far away, then you should try to row the |
| are following all safety precautions, as well as | | | | boat closer in their direction. Only trained lifeguards |
| navigational rules, to make certain that you and your | | | | should jump in the water to rescue a passenger who |
| passengers stay safe. | | | | has fallen overboard because the victim might be |
| Before you hit the water, it is crucial that you take a | | | | panicking and you could be pulled under water with |
| safe boating course and make certain that you are | | | | them. |
| prepared to handle the water as well as your vessel. | | | | If your boat does capsize, the first thing that you will |
| To prevent accidents such as your boat capsizing, | | | | need to do is check to make sure that all passengers |
| you should take every step necessary beforehand to | | | | are accounted for and are wearing their life jackets. |
| ensure that you and your passengers would have a | | | | If they are accounted for but not wearing jackets, |
| safe boating experience. | | | | your first step should be to get jackets to them as |
| After taking a boating course and ensuring that your | | | | quickly as possible. Next, look for other items that |
| boat is in proper working order, you should make | | | | may help passengers stay afloat. Things such as ice |
| certain that your passengers are wearing PFDs | | | | coolers or chests may be used as substitute floating |
| (Personal Floating Devices). Statistics show that most | | | | devices. Newer boats, built after 1978, have floating |
| people drown when a boat capsizes or they fall | | | | devices inside the sides of the boat to help them to |
| overboard due to the fact that they are not wearing | | | | stay afloat should they turn over. |
| a Personal Floating Device. Be sure that everyone on | | | | Determining whether or not you can turn the boat |
| board is wearing a Personal Floating Device. | | | | upright is critical for choosing your strategy. If you |
| It is also critical that you have a lookout posted on | | | | can turn the boat over, wait until you have removed |
| board. A lookout is someone who is designated to | | | | all of the water and climb back in. |
| check the water and be certain that there are no | | | | If you cannot turn the boat over, you may be able |
| obstructions in your path. By making certain that your | | | | to sit on top of it and signal for help. Whistles, |
| lookout is doing his or her job, you lower the chances | | | | flashlights, and mirrors may all be used to help draw |
| of capsizing or having someone fall overboard. If the | | | | attention. If no one is around, then it is important |
| lookout notices that someone has fallen overboard | | | | that you save your energy and only signal for help |
| you should try to extend your arm and pull him or | | | | when someone is nearby. |
| her back in. Make sure that they have a flotation | | | | |