Your Boat Capsized! Passenger Overboard! Now What Do You Do? Articles | Boating

By: Kathryn Ali

Boating is a wonderful activity.  It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of oceans and lakes, and provides for many hours of enjoyment and fun.  However, it is vitally important to ensure that when boating, you are following all safety precautions, as well as navigational rules, to make certain that you and your passengers stay safe.

Before you hit the water, it is crucial that you take a safe boating course and make certain that you are prepared to handle the water as well as your vessel.  To prevent accidents such as your boat capsizing, you should take every step necessary beforehand to ensure that you and your passengers would have a safe boating experience.

 After taking a boating course and ensuring that your boat is in proper working order, you should make certain that your passengers are wearing PFDs (Personal Floating Devices).  Statistics show that most people drown when a boat capsizes or they fall overboard due to the fact that they are not wearing a Personal Floating Device. Be sure that everyone on board is wearing a Personal Floating Device.

It is also critical that you have a lookout posted on board. A lookout is someone who is designated to check the water and be certain that there are no obstructions in your path.  By making certain that your lookout is doing his or her job, you lower the chances of capsizing or having someone fall overboard. If the lookout notices that someone has fallen overboard you should try to extend your arm and pull him or her back in.  Make sure that they have a floatation device, if not throw them one.  If you can’t reach them, then you will need to use something that they may grab hold of, such as a pole or an oar.  If they are still too far away, then you should try to row the boat closer in their direction.  Only trained lifeguards should jump in the water to rescue a passenger who has fallen overboard because the victim might be panicking and you could be pulled under water with them.

If your boat does capsize, the first thing that you will need to do is check to make sure that all passengers are accounted for and are wearing their life jackets.  If they are accounted for but not wearing jackets, your first step should be to get jackets to them as quickly as possible.  Next, look for other items that may help passengers stay afloat.  Things such as ice coolers or chests may be used as substitute floating devices. Newer boats, built after 1978, have floating devices inside the sides of the boat to help them to stay afloat should they turn over. 

Determining whether or not you can turn the boat upright is critical for choosing your strategy.  If you can turn the boat over, wait until you have removed all of the water and climb back in.  If you cannot turn the boat over, you may be able to sit on top of it and signal for help.

Whistles, flashlights, and mirrors may all be used to help draw attention. If no one is around, then it is important that you save your energy and only signal for help when someone is nearby.