7 tips that will avoid someone falling overboard.
1. Always have everyone wearing either a lifejacket or a buoyancy aid when the boat is on the move. If the kids are playing around the boat when tied alongside, they should be wearing lifejackets. Be strict with this rule – no exceptions!
2. Always have one hand for the ship and one hand for yourself! In otherwords, always have at least one hand holding onto a part of the boat. When going forward along the side decks (many are very narrow, nowadays) always have either two hands and one foot on the boat or two feet and one hand in contact at any one time. This way you are unlikely to loose your balance and fall overboard!
3. When underway, if you are the captain (skipper), let everyone know when you are either changing direction, or a wave (wash) from another boat is going to make your boat move, violently. This will warn others to hold on until the incident is over!
4. Try to wear nonslip footwear when its wet or the deck is wet and slippery. Too often boaters wear nothing and bare feet either slide or get hurt on deck fittings. A stubbed toe can be painful!
5. Avoid the temptation to drink lots of alcohol when the boats on the move. Trying to moor up when the crew is tipsey may be funny to those watching, but is very dangerous for those under the influence of drink! Damage to your boat and others can be expensive, with insurance companies unlikely to pay out, if you have been drinking.
6. Very often you see people hanging over the side of the boat when underway. If you want to sit on the side decks or right up at the bow, then have your body inboard and your legs dangling over the side. This way you can hold on to a handrail or guardrail, for safety.
7. Do not fool around when your boat is on the move, it’s just too dangerous! Wait until you are safely moored up alongside to mess about, if you need to.
These seven tips just cover the basics, but doing just these few things will make your boating holiday safer and more enjoyable!
