Your Boat Capsizes And Floats Away What Should You Do? You could be enjoying a day out on the water, and have cross-checked the weather, but Mother Nature may have other plans.
A storm brews up; this is disastrous not just for you, but passengers aboard the boat with you. You can protect yourself in the case of a boat capsize even in times of emergencies.
Why your boat Loses Momentum
- Taking the Sideways of an Oncoming Boat
You should never take the side when in the proximity of other boats; Boats moving at a higher speed come with uncalculated wave currents that can destabilize your boat. It’s better to aim for head-on movement and gently avoid each other.
- Unbalanced weight
Unsteady weight on the boat can cause imbalance to the boat, and it’s not good for the boat to lean to one side, especially when in a high-current river.
Related News: Your Boat Capsizes But Remains Afloat What Should You Do?
Preventing Capsizing
#1. Ensure the Boat is Okay before Leaving Shore
Do a last-minute check for all safety fixes on the boat before sailing; You don’t want to be caught unaware of water sipping into the boat in the middle of the water. If possible, turn the boat upside down once in a while and diligently search for possible leaks.
#2. Make your Anchor Firm
Pull your anchor to the front of the boat, and not the back; Whether onshore or not, be sure to weigh your anchor and make it firm at all times. Secure it to an anchor line at the front of the boat. This will help prevent swamping the boat during a storm. Besides, it is best practice to anchor your boat at the front.
#3. All Passengers Should be Tucked in the Boat
Do not allow any passenger to put his/her whole weight onto the side of the boat; This can be dangerous to everybody on board. The boat is already struggling against the water, leaning against or over its side is not advisable.
#4. Take slow and Calculated Turns
When taking a turn, you must keep the speed of the boat steady, making a uniform turn. Taking a fast or sharp cut across could put your boat in the bad eye of the waves, that’s not something you’ll want to happen.
#5. Monitor the Weather App for Updates
Ensure that you tune your boat’s radio to the marine channel to keep up to date with changes in weather conditions. The marine channel always broadcasts alerts when the weather isn’t favorable, as well as advice on possible tips and navigation protocols.
Check this also: What Should You Do If Your Small Open Boat Capsizes?
Surviving A Boat Capsize
If there’s a case of a boat capsizing, the first thing you should do is keep calm. Surviving the water waves will require strength, so there’s no need to waste your energy.
The next thing you should do is get back into the boat; If the boat is turned on itself, or your strength isn’t enough to get back on board, hold on to the boat. Do not leave it, no matter what.
If the boat is upside down, stick with the boat. Lie on the boat, hold on to the ream. The boat is made of wood, it will continue to float till it comes to land. As much as possible, get on the boat as it is important you keep warm for fear of hypothermia.
Tips for Surviving A Boat Capsize
Do Not Take Alcohol Before Boarding
Water transport is exciting, the peace and serenity are tempting. It could also be a death trap when you take alcohol before boarding the boat.
Alcohol can impair your sense of reasoning, reduce your strength when it’s time to swim, thereby increasing the risk of accidents or fatality. You must not take alcohol at all costs if you want to prevent boat capsizing, make sure you’re in full control of your boat.
Wear a Life Jacket
A simple thing such as wearing a life jacket that people take for granted may be all you need to stay alive till help comes. A life jacket is a must wear especially if your water journey is far away from land.
A life jacket will keep you afloat in the water if your boat capsizes, saving you the necessary strength to remain seen till rescue arrives.
Safety Education
Before you start your journey offshore, you must remind your passengers of the necessary and safe boat practices before leaving the dock.
Some people may not be aware of basic safety principles and that’s why you need to iterate over basic safety procedures before starting your journey.
Safety Procedures To Follow If You Can’t Get To The Boat
If the boat sinks, far away from your reach or you can’t get on top, remember to remain calm. If you have a jacket on, ensure its fasteners are on and secure. Keep afloat and wait for the coastal guard to rescue you.
If you do not have a safety jacket on, look around for any floating material nearby (coolers, paddles, or any other wooden objects) that you can hold on to. If the material can take your weight, climb on it. This will keep you visible to helpers coming to save you and keep you warm.
If there’s nothing available, float on your back and lay still against the waves, do not fight it. Let it lead you hopefully to a floating material, fighting it will decrease your chances of survival. If the river has fast-moving currents, lie on your back, keeping your feet pointed downwards. If you see a chance to leave the water, do so immediately.
Summary
You must maintain a steady nature when your boat capsizes. Panicking can reduce your survival rate, and kill you faster. Ensure you check the weather app for updates, check the boat for emergency safety procedures before setting sail.
Do not allow any of your passengers to get aboard your ship without putting on life jackets, and personally ensure the locks are in place. If you’re unsure of the weather, it is better not to leave the docks till it clears.
Read Also: What should you do to Reduce the Risk of Capsizing or Swamping your Boat in Rough Water?
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