A Course for Safe Boating

104

California Boating

Chapter 5

Accident Prevention and Rescue

Each Section Below Includes Three Parts:

Guidelines for prevention, suggested techniques for rescue and actual case studies. You should

be able to read the case study and point out what the person(s) did right or wrong, what the

person(s) could have done differently, and how you would react to the situation. Chapter headings

at the beginning of each section point out the location of more detailed information on the topic.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Environmental stressors can cause many types of accidents by impairing

your judgment and reducing your awareness. Environmental injuries, such

as hypothermia, can result from an accident or carelessness.

Prevention

Check local weather sources such as the radio, TV, newspaper, or the

Internet before getting under way. Constantly monitor the winds and

horizon for changes in the weather.

Be ready for all types of weather and water conditions, by having the

necessary clothing and safety equipment on board.

Be sure your skills and vessel are suitable for the conditions.

It’s a good idea that at least one person on board have a current first aid/

CPR certification.

Be able to recognize and treat cold- and heat-related illnesses.

Always carry extra clothing, food and water.

Limit your exposure to stressors.

Rescue

Call for outside help if necessary.

Be sure there is no danger to yourself and others at the scene.

Be sure the victim does not face other dangers.

If possible, remove the victim from whatever caused the emergency.

Treat the victim using your first-aid knowledge and available

resources.

Case Study

The operator of a small fishing vessel and a passenger were fishing on the

ocean. The water was calm in the morning when they left the dock, but

REFER TO CHAPTER 1

PAGES 4–9