...MAN OVERBOARD...

THE FOLLOWING IS A SAFE BOATING MESSAGE FROM THE NORTH STRAND SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON

Man overboard! It's one of the most frightening things you can hear on a boat. What should you do when it happens?

If you're the skipper, the first thing to do is slow down to your slowest safe speed. If you're a passenger, watch the person in the water. Don't lose sight of the person overboard! You can help guide the skipper to them.

If you're the skipper and no one can see the person in the water, turn hard to starboard, then hard to port until you're headed back the way you came.

When the person in the water is sighted, prepare for recovery before you reach them:
- Decide which side you'll approach the victim on.
- Have a heaving line ready with a cushion or life ring attached. Secure the end of the line to your boat.
- Wear a life jacket and lifeline. You can be pulled down on top of the person in the water.
- If you approach under power, try to do it directly upwind. You'll be much less likely to drift away from, or over, the victim.
- If weather or sea conditions dictate approaching downwind, let the weather help you and drift down to the person.
- Be sure your prop isn't turning when you're along side the person.

Make sure your passengers know what to do before you leave the dock, and have that heaving line stowed ready.

THIS MESSAGE WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...

THE NORTH STRAND SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON

 ...YOU'RE IN COMMAND. BOAT RESPONSIBLY!...

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