According to the US Coast Guard, falling overboard is a contributing factor in a staggering one-third of boating fatalities. How can you reduce the risk, and what should you do if a passenger on your boat falls overboard?
Here’s our best advice.
Reduce the Risk
There are things every boater can do to reduce the possibility of falling overboard. Stay seated when underway, especially in rough conditions. Make use of handholds, especially on “spirited” rides or when forced to move about. Be careful on sloped decks. Don’t stretch overboard when fishing, or step out onto the swim platform to relieve your bladder. Obviously, avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
The design and condition of the boat itself, however, can also play a role. Overloading a boat or not properly balancing the load of passengers and gear can lead to instability that sends a passenger overboard. So too can tripping or slipping hazards, such as lines or hoses on deck, puddling water, lack of nonslip in key areas, and perimeter rails positioned too low.
One way to avoid becoming a statistic if you do go in the water is to always wear a personal flotation device. Drowning is the Number One cause of boating-related deaths, and statistics show most victims who drown were not wearing lifejackets. Given the comfort of many of today’s styles, it should be a no-brainer to make wearing a lifejacket second nature.
– UPGRADE YOUR RADIO –
Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
Digital Select Calling (DSC) allows you to transmit your precise location with the press of a button. Make sure your VHF radio has it, and don’t forget to get your MMSI number. It might just save your life.
Spot, Communicate and Stay Aboard
In the event a passenger does go overboard, act quickly. If any type of loose throwable marker is available—be it a seat cushion or similar—toss it in the direction of the person in the water. It will provide flotation but also serve as a visual marker. This initial throwable should not be tethered to the boat because the victim may try to swim for it.
At the same time, alert the crew by loudly shouting, “Man overboard!” If available, the captain can mark the coordinates on GPS systems equipped with a man-overboard (“MOB”) function. Designate someone aboard to take on the role of spotter, maintaining a constant visual on the victim, pointing their hand to the person overboard, and keeping the captain updated on the person’s location. Don’t assume people will automatically do this. Studies, and responder experience, have shown that they won’t. Be a captain: Tell a person to do it!
Resist the urge to jump into the water to assist. Another person in the water puts another person at risk and adds to the complexity of any retrieval or rescue. Staying aboard is also vital if you’re the only other passenger aboard. Exiting the boat leaves no one at the helm, no one to radio for help, and no one to assist the victim back aboard.
– ALWAYS USE YOUR ENGINE CUT-OFF LANYARD –
Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
Make sure your Engine Cut-Off Switch lanyard is attached to your person whenever you’re underway. They’re now required on all open boats under 26 feet.
Retrieve Safely
Avoid making a beeline for the person overboard. Instead, choose the safest approach. Any retrieval should be from a position downwind or down-current to avoid the possibility the boat could get pushed over the victim. Circle back at idle speed much like retrieving a downed watersports rider, with the captain keeping the victim on their starboard side to maintain visual contact once in range. When in a safe position to begin the rescue, kill the engines to prevent any possibility of the victim becoming accidentally entangled in the prop.
Coast Guard regulations stipulate that boats 16 feet or longer include some form of throwable PFD such as a ring buoy or throwable cushion ideally with a length of line attached. Assuming the person who went overboard is conscious, cleat the bitter end and throw the PFD as close to the person as possible. Avoid throwing it like a frisbee; typically, a side-arm heave is the more precise method. It’s worthwhile to practice throwing these from time to time, so that you are better prepared if you need to get one to a person in distress in the water.
Once the victim has reached the PFD, instruct them to lock their hands or wrists around it and then have the crew pull them back to the boat.
If the victim is unconscious, a crewmember may be forced to break the golden rule and get into the water to assist. If so, make certain that the crewmember is a strong swimmer and wearing a life jacket. They should also be tethered to the boat by a safety line.
– CHECK THE FIT –
Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard
Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it.
Getting Back Aboard
Even a conscious victim may be exhausted from the ordeal, injured from the fall, or just not able to climb back aboard on their own. If those aboard need to assist, keep a low center of gravity; if you stand tall, you may go overboard yourself. Assisting crew can grab a strong, conscious victim by the wrists, instruct them to do likewise, and then haul them aboard. Two crewmembers can grab an exhausted or unconscious victim under the armpits, with the victim’s back to the boat, and then muscle them aboard.
It can be quite difficult to bring an injured or infirm person back aboard. We suggest reading another article we produced that provides techniques for helping you do just that.
Read Next: Techniques for Getting People Back Aboard From the Water
If this sounds too difficult, look for methods to increase leverage. Use a life sling, if available, or fashion a sling from a rope. Once back aboard, assess the person’s condition and, if needed, immediately call for help.
