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Accidents

Believe it or not, most boating accidents occur when the weather is calm and clear and winds are light.

Persons falling overboard or the boat capsizing and the victims drowning because they are not wearing PFDs cause most fatal accidents in small boats. Even if you are a good swimmer, the urgency of going into the water unexpectedly along with fatigue caused by stressors could render you helpless.

Most non-fatal accidents are caused by collisions with other boats or objects in the water. Remember that the rules of the road require that a lookout be posted at all times. Make sure your lookout is doing his or her job.

Small open boats can be unstable and tippy. Be sure that the boat is tied securely to the dock when boarding and step into the centerline of the boat running fore and aft. With a hand on the pier and one on the boat, lower yourself down into the center. Although not required, you should wear a PFD. All other passengers should follow suit and keep low when moving around in the boat.

You should not attempt to carry items aboard the boat. You should board first and load them one at a time and, again, place them along the centerline of the boat. Remember to not overload the boat. Read and take heed of the capacity plate information. Make sure all passengers and carry-on items are secure and the weight evenly distributed.

Once underway, avoid standing up, riding on the bow or gunwale (side) of the boat, trim the boat so it rides level and avoid making sudden sharp turns.

Capsizing - The majority of small pleasure boats, and all built after 1978, have floatation to keep them from sinking even if they capsize. If you should capsize it may be safer to stay with the floating boat than try to swim to shore.

A small unstable, tippy boat may capsize from the following causes:

• Overloading slows a boat down and reduces the amount of freeboard (area above the waterline). A low freeboard increases the possibility of swamping the boat or taking on water which will slow the boat even more. Don’t overload your boat with passengers or equipment.

• Improper weight distribution can make the boat even more unstable. You must locate persons and equipment in order to balance the boat and keep water out.

• Waves can be a major factor in capsizing especially if they are unexpected. Anticipate all waves and aim the bow into them.

Should your boat capsize, take a head count to make sure everyone is there, check for injuries and stay with the boat. Only swim for shore if you know that you will make it easily. If you have any doubt stay with the boat.

If you can, turn the boat upright and bail it out. Once most of the water is out climb back in. Or, if close to shore, just climb in the boat and paddle. It will be exhausting but at least you will be safely ashore.

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