Boating is fun, but it’s important to be prepared for emergencies like someone falling overboard. Knowing exactly what to do in this situation can save a life. Whether you’re new to boating or an experienced sailor, understanding what should you always do when a person falls overboard is critical. This guide will walk you through the steps to take if someone goes overboard and how to safely handle the situation.
Immediate Actions: What Should You Always Do When a Person Falls Overboard?
When someone falls into the water, every second counts. The quicker you act, the better the chances of a successful rescue. It’s important to stay calm, think quickly, and follow the right steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you should do immediately after someone falls overboard.
1. Yell “Man Overboard!”
The first thing you should do when a person falls overboard is to yell “Man overboard!” as loudly as possible. This alert is crucial because:
- It lets everyone on board know that someone is in the water and needs help.
- It immediately calls attention to the emergency, making sure no one is distracted.
- It prompts others to assist in the rescue, whether by throwing a flotation device or helping to spot the person in the water.
Why is yelling “Man Overboard” so important?
- In an emergency, time is critical. Shouting alerts the crew instantly, ensuring a faster response. The faster people act, the more likely the person in the water will be rescued safely.
What if no one hears you?
- If you’re alone on the boat or no one hears you, try to sound the boat’s horn or any alarm system to draw attention to the emergency.
2. Keep Your Eyes on the Person
Once the alert is given, designate someone to keep constant visual contact with the person in the water. This step is often overlooked, but it’s incredibly important:
- Water conditions, like waves or currents, can quickly move the person, making them harder to spot.
- If the person is not continuously watched, they can easily get lost in the water, especially in bad weather or if they’re wearing dark clothing.
- By having one person dedicated to watching the victim, the boat’s crew can coordinate the rescue without losing sight of them.
How can you make sure you don’t lose sight of the person?
- The person watching the victim should physically point at them and keep pointing as long as the person is in the water. This makes it easier to direct the boat and helps others keep track of the person’s position.
What if it’s night or visibility is poor?
- If it’s dark or visibility is low, turn on searchlights immediately or use any available lighting to help spot the person. Always keep emergency lights or flares on board for such situations.
3. Throw a Flotation Device
As soon as someone falls overboard, throw a flotation device like a life ring or buoy in their direction. Even if the person is a strong swimmer, they may panic or become tired quickly in the water. Throwing a flotation device:
- Helps the person stay afloat, especially if they’re not wearing a life jacket.
- Gives them something to hold onto, reducing their chances of being pulled under by currents.
- Marks their location in the water, making it easier to track them if they drift or move.
What if you don’t have a life ring?
- In case you don’t have a life ring, throw anything that floats, like a seat cushion or even a cooler. Anything that can help keep the person above water can buy you valuable time during the rescue.
Why is throwing something so important?
- The person overboard may be in shock or panic. A flotation device can help calm them down and give them something to focus on until the boat reaches them.
4. Slow Down and Steer Toward the Person
Once the person overboard is spotted, the next step is to carefully maneuver the boat toward them. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Reduce Speed: Immediately slow down the boat to avoid causing waves or moving too fast. A fast-moving boat can make it harder to get close to the person without creating dangerous conditions.
- Steer Gently: Approach the person from a safe angle. Be aware of wind, waves, and currents that may push the boat or the person in unexpected directions.
- Avoid the Propeller: The boat’s propeller can be extremely dangerous. Always approach the person from the side or stern (back) of the boat, and turn off the engine once you’re close enough to avoid injury.
How should you approach the person in the water?
- Always steer the boat downwind or down current from the person. This means approaching them with the boat facing the direction of the wind or current to maintain control and prevent drifting into them.
What if the boat is too large to get close?
- If your boat is too large to get close safely, consider launching a smaller dinghy or using a long-reaching pole to help the person come closer to the boat.
5. Alert the Coast Guard
If the situation is serious, or if you cannot reach the person quickly, contact the Coast Guard. This is especially important in rough seas, if the person is unconscious, or if they’ve been in the water for an extended period. When contacting the Coast Guard:
- Provide your location: Use your GPS or give them your best estimate of your current location. The more accurate, the better.
- Describe the situation: Let them know how long the person has been in the water, if they’re wearing a life jacket, and what their current condition is.
- Follow their instructions: The Coast Guard may give specific instructions based on your situation. Follow these carefully while continuing to attempt the rescue.
When should you call the Coast Guard?
- If the person is not easily reachable or if they’re showing signs of distress or injury, it’s always a good idea to call the Coast Guard. Even if you successfully rescue the person, the Coast Guard can provide medical assistance if needed.
What if you don’t have a radio or phone signal?
- If you can’t reach the Coast Guard, continue with the rescue while using any emergency flares or signals to attract nearby boats or help.
Key Points to Remember
- Yell “Man Overboard!” to alert everyone and get help quickly.
- Appoint someone to keep their eyes on the person and point to their location in the water at all times.
- Throw a flotation device to help the person stay afloat.
- Approach carefully to avoid propeller injuries and keep control of the boat.
- Contact the Coast Guard if necessary, providing them with your location and details about the situation.
By following these essential steps, you’ll be better prepared to handle an overboard emergency, increasing the chances of a successful rescue. These actions should be second nature to anyone operating a boat, ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
What Should You Do When a Person Falls Overboard: Safe Rescue Techniques
Once the initial steps of sounding the alarm and throwing a flotation device are taken, the focus shifts to getting the person back on board safely. Here’s a deeper look at the safe rescue techniques you should follow to ensure a successful recovery.
1. Approach Carefully
One of the most important aspects of a water rescue is approaching the person in distress carefully. This is to ensure their safety and the safety of everyone on board.
- Slow Down: When approaching the person, reduce the boat’s speed to avoid creating waves that could push them further away or into danger.
- Position the Boat Correctly: Always position the boat downwind and down current from the person in the water. This allows you to drift toward them rather than having to steer, which can be risky.
- Avoid the Propeller: Keep the person far away from the propeller, as it poses a serious danger. Shut off the engine when you’re close enough to avoid this hazard.
Why is positioning downwind and down current important?
This positioning helps prevent accidentally pushing the person away with the boat’s movements or causing injuries with the propeller. It allows the boat to naturally drift closer to the person, making the rescue smoother and safer.
2. Use the “Reach, Throw, Row, Go” Method
The “Reach, Throw, Row, Go” method is a proven strategy for water rescues. It ensures that you try safer methods first before risking anyone else going into the water.
- Reach: Use a long object like a pole, oar, or even a rope to reach out to the person in the water. Try to pull them toward the boat without anyone else needing to enter the water.
- Throw: If you can’t reach them, throw a flotation device, life jacket, or anything else that floats. This keeps the person afloat until you can get closer.
- Row: If you’re in a smaller boat, you may need to row closer to them to offer assistance. Be sure to maintain control over the boat, especially in rough waters.
- Go: Only as a last resort, if none of the other methods work and if you’re a strong swimmer trained for rescues, should you swim out to the person with a flotation device. Your safety is also a priority, so only do this if it’s absolutely necessary.
Why use the Reach, Throw, Row, Go method?
This method prioritizes safety. It prevents additional risks by ensuring that you only enter the water if it’s absolutely necessary. Most rescues can be accomplished with the first two steps (Reach and Throw), reducing the need for anyone else to be in danger.
3. Bring thson Back on Board
Once you’ve reached the person and ensured they have a flotation device, the next challenge is bringing them back onto the boat.
- Move to the Stern: The stern, or back of the boat, is generally the safest and easiest place to lift someone out of the water. It’s lower and usually has a platform or ladder.
- Use a Rescue Ladder: If your boat has a rescue ladder, lower it to help the person climb back onboard. This is much easier than trying to pull someone up without assistance.
- Manual Lift: If there’s no ladder, ask other passengers for help. Work together to lift the person, being careful to avoid injuring them or yourselves.
What if the person is too weak to help themselves?
In this case, it’s important to have multiple people assist in pulling the person onto the boat. Position someone at their arms and another at their waist or legs to lift them out smoothly and prevent further injury.
After the Rescue: First Aid and Assessment
After the person is back onboard, the next critical step is to assess their condition. Even if they seem fine, they could be in shock or suffering from less obvious injuries.
1. Check for Injuries
The person may be hurt or in shock, even if they claim to be okay. Here’s what to look for:
- Hypothermia: If the water is cold, the person could be at risk of hypothermia. Check if they are shivering, have pale skin, or seem confused.
- Water Inhalation: If the person was submerged or swallowed water, they might have inhaled water, which could lead to breathing issues.
- Visible Injuries: Look for cuts, bruises, or any signs of head injury that may have occurred when they fell.
2. Provide First Aid
Once you’ve assessed their condition, it’s important to administer any necessary first aid:
- Warm Them Up: If they’ve been in cold water, get them out of wet clothes and wrap them in blankets to raise their body temperature.
- CPR: If the person is unconscious or not breathing, begin CPR immediately. Ensure someone is calling for emergency help while CPR is performed.
- Monitor Breathing: Keep an eye on their breathing and make sure they’re not having difficulty. If they’ve inhaled water, they may need medical attention.
3. Call for Medical Help if Needed
If the person shows signs of hypothermia, has difficulty breathing, or has any injuries, contact emergency services immediately. It’s better to be cautious and get them the help they need as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Overboard Accidents
Preventing accidents is just as important as knowing how to handle them. Here are some steps you can take to prevent anyone from falling overboard:
1. Always Wear Life Jackets
- Make sure everyone on the boat, especially children, is wearing a life jacket. Even strong swimmers should wear one, especially in rough water or bad weather.
2. Set Safety Rules
- Establish clear safety rules for everyone on board. These could include:
- No running on deck
- No leaning over the edge
- Always holding onto rails or safety lines when moving around the boat
3. Use Lifelines or Harnesses
- In rough conditions or on large boats, using lifelines or safety harnesses can prevent someone from falling overboard. They act as an extra layer of protection.
4. Regular Safety Drills
- Make sure your crew or passengers know what to do in case of an emergency. Regular safety drills will prepare everyone for the real thing, reducing panic and ensuring a smooth rescue process.
Why are safety drills important?
Safety drills help everyone become familiar with what to do in an emergency. In a real-life overboard situation, the calmness and readiness from these drills can make a huge difference in the success of the rescue.
Understanding what should you do when a person falls overboard and taking the right steps can save a life. Always approach with care, use the “Reach, Throw, Row, Go” method, and ensure the person’s safety when bringing them back onboard. Regular safety checks and drills can help prevent overboard accidents, making your boating experience safer and more enjoyable.
Get Legal Help from William W. Price P.A.
Boating accidents, including falls overboard, can lead to legal complications, especially if someone is injured. If you’re dealing with a legal issue involving boating or general liability, the attorneys at William W. Price P.A. are here to help. Our experienced team provides personalized legal representation, ensuring your case is handled with care and professionalism.
By following these steps, you’ll know exactly what should you always do when a person falls overboard. Your quick actions can help save lives and keep everyone safe while enjoying time on the water. Boating is fun, but it’s important to be prepared for emergencies like someone falling overboard. Knowing exactly what to do in this situation can save a life. Whether you’re new to boating or an experienced sailor, understanding what should you always do when a person falls overboard is critical.
For more information or to speak with one of our attorneys, click here to visit our service page, or contact us today.
