FALLING OVERBOARD - FIRST AVOID IT!

part 1 of 3

People fall overboard, it happens and it is not rare. Never happened on your boat? If your answer is no then one of two things must be true. 1) You practice most of the rules to avoid people falling overboard or 2) you have been very lucky and it just hasn't happened...yet!

It is important to schedule regular drills on your recovery procedure for person(s) overboard. One quick word on "Drills". Make them just that ...a drill with everyone in Pfd's. You are not supposed to create a realistic situation and then see how everyone performs!

OK, lets concentrate on not falling overboard:

"One hand for the ship--one hand for yourself' In other words "Grab hold of something and don't let go unless you have grabbed something else!". Another good rule is to always try to maintain three points of contact at all times. Either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot.

1. Avoid alcohol.
2. Do not sit on gunwales or seat backs.
3. Skippers, warn your passengers of all maneuvers. Surprised passengers, especially during turns and changes in speed, will become unstable quickly and vulnerable to falling.
4. Wear the right footwear and be aware of slippery or uneven surfaces.
5. Save the horse-play for your destination while anchored. Any skipper worth his or her salt would never tolerate horse-play while underway!
6. As always it is a good idea for everyone to wear Pfd's at all times, especially while underway.