Boating Safety And Rescues

[Music] e [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] some days it just doesn't pay to get up oh well at least he's got it right side up again and while you may think he's the biggest Kutz in the world we'd like like to point out that things could be a lot worse but because he had an approved life jacket on and because he can swim a few strokes and because he's staying with his craft he's still [Music] [Applause] alive drowning is by far the leading cause of death in boating accidents so everyone aboard a small craft should be able to swim for at least 5 minutes while fully clothed the easiest way to do it is to keep the arms and legs underwater and use combinations of gentle movements and floating to stay up if a personal flotation device becomes available either put it on or use it like water wings of course weak swimmers and non swimmers should wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device whenever they go out and remember that the law requires you to have an approved PFD aboard for each passenger be sure to Stow them where they're easily accessible to prevent damage to the craft avoid dragging it along the beach once one and is in the water it can be launched hand overhand then as one person stabilizes es the craft the stern paddler steps into the center over the Keel grabs the gunels and carefully brings his other leg aboard as he moves to his paddling position he keeps his center of gravity as low as possible he studies the craft with his paddle until everyone else is aboard and in position the easiest way to cast off is for the B paddler to give a gentle push as he boards these cans have properly trimmed their craft for and a by positioning the young people well forward to offset the heavier Stern paddler the canoe is also properly balanced maintaining good trim and balance are important safety precautions especially in rough water in a canoe or rowboat only one person at a time should move and all movement should be done slowly with the center of gravity kept as low and as close to the center line of The Craft as possible our young canoeists are applying these principles as they exchange positions before getting underway again they carefully readjust their trim and [Music] balance no matter how safety conscious you are though emergencies sometimes will happen and when they do you should be able to use your craft for self-rescue the primary rule is stay with with your craft unless you're in dangerous water most small boats and canoes will float even when swamped and they can usually be used to get you back to safety [Applause] be sure to let the craft stabilize before bringing the legs aboard maintaining balance and trim is especially important in this [Music] situation good progress can be made by hand [Music] [Applause] paddling preparing for an outing in a small boat requires a knowledge of federal and state regul ations as well as common sense check to see that there's enough fuel and that the fuel tank is placed well away from the motor be sure that fishing rods boat hooks and ores are stowed securely and out of the way an anchor should be on board it should have plenty of good line attached and it should be stowed on the bottom close to the bow a properly charged fire extinguisher is required by law in boats with gasoline Motors extra line is always handy for moing or for lengthening your anchor line it should be carefully coiled and stowed ready for use common sense dictates that some sort of bailing device be on board this one was made from a plastic bottle keep your Bor ready for use a watertight first aid kit should be aboard and don't forget a tool kit it should contain a screwdriver spark plug wrench adjustable wrench pliers and extra shear pins remember that a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device is required and be sure you know how to put it on properly a whistle or other type of signal device is a good idea and just to be on the safe side side a second approved PFD don't forget to check out the motor's safety chain before you place the motor in its proper operating position finally before you get underway double check the capacity rating plate to be sure the motor is the proper size and that you haven't overloaded the boat while small craft are primarily meant for pleasure they can be safely used for rescues even by inexperienced Boatman making an extension assist with an ore or paddle is a good rescue technique if the victim isn't unconscious or extremely cold it's usually not necessary to bring him aboard help him to the stern where he can hang on comfortably and row him to safety power boats present different problems a throwing assist using a personal flotation device usually works well this lets the boat steer clear of the victim so there's no danger from the prop when the boat is close to the victim the motor should be cut immediately as you help the victim aboard be sure he doesn't touch the motor shaft because it is likely to have sharp edges and be quite hot if the victim is unconscious a swimming rescue may be advisable but only if The Rescuer is a trained Lifesaver as he swims to the victim the boat should Circle so it can make an effective pickup again be sure to stop the engine it may be necessary for The Rescuer to reboard the boat to assist in getting the victim aboard a day out on the water is usually a day to remember for those who are safety conscious and know that safe boating is no accident the memories are happy [Music] ones for