Safety at Sea

Let's be careful out there

Good news! According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating fatalities are on the decline. The Coast Guard also mentions that on the average day they

How do that many people get in trouble?

Poor preparation and a lack of training contribute to more accidents than freak weather conditions. Looking at the most recent breakdown on boating related deaths, published by the Coast Guard those of us who prefer wind power, are far more likely to make it back to the dock alive than our motor boating friends.

Most common cause of death? Drowning. Not a big surprise. Here's another Coast Guard statistic: "Five hundred and seventeen (517) boaters drowned in 1999. Life jackets could have saved the lives of approximately 450 boaters who drowned."

Maybe it's time to invest in a good floatation garment-- something you'll actually wear. Consider giving such garments to your family members who boat. There are many types of Personal Floatation Devices available. The Coast Guard lists the general types, but there are many types which do double-duty as warm vests and street-worthy jackets. Many can be found on my Equipment sub-category Sailing Clothing page, but it wouldn't hurt to take a look at what's available at your local marina supply store, next time you're in buying new synchronous widgets, either.

And what happens if someone actually goes over the side? Do you have a means to get them back aboard? Swim step, rope ladder? Grand plan? Think about how you would haul someone heavier than yourself back aboard. What if they're injured?

Different boats, crewed by different people will have unique solutions to the problem-- just be sure you've thought out the mechanics of retrieving someone who's in the drink.

And if you need help, do you know how to effectively call for it?

Calling for help

Getting help in an emergency.

Taken from Getting Help On The Water, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety. Please take the time to read the whole e-publication. This small portion is reprinted to make it easy for you to cut it out and post next to your radio so your lubberly friend can call for help if you've have an accident or done something really dumb. It happens.

 

How To Signal For Help

If you are in distress (distress is defined as a situation where you or your boat are threatened by grave or imminent danger requiring assistance), the Coast Guard will take immediate steps to help you. Normally, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue boats and/or aircraft will be sent, but assistance from any available source will be arranged to expedite your rescue.

If you are in distress use "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" on the radio. If your situation is not a distress, simply call "Coast Guard." Channel 16 VHF/FM and 2182khz HF/SSB are dedicated distress and calling frequencies we monitor at all times. Citizen's Band (CB) is not dependable and is not monitored at most Coast Guard stations. If you do not have a radio, attempt to signal a fellow boater who can assist or call the Coast Guard for you. In a distress situation, use flares or any other distress signaling device to catch the attention of another boater.

What To Tell The Coast Guard

While arranging help, we will ask for the following:
 

  • Your location or position.
  • Exact nature of the problem (special problems).
  • Number of people on board.
  • Your boat's name, registration and description.
  • Safety equipment on board.