Man Overboard! What to Do?
Published: Sunday, September 11, 2022 12:00 pm
By: Mary Robinson
A version of this article appeared in the Fall (September/October) 2022 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
Everything is ready to go! It's a fantastic day on the water. Everyone is on board, and it's promising to be epic. I am now recalling a story from a great dock mate who relayed being on board with his little brother and family pet Molly. Mom attempted to gather lines and tie up the boat on father's momentous approach in front of his peers and dock mates… Mom fell in. Little brother ran up to dad and yelled, "Momma fell in!" Dad, thinking it was Molly, said, "Well, she can swim." He was unaware of the real issue until he reached the dock and his wife, drenched, standing but alive. Thankfully both Molly and Momma were safe and on the dock within moments. However, have YOU ever been in this situation? What would you do? What would you have others do?
This is such an important question to ask in that many people do not know how to swim. How far are you from shore? Do you have a preservation device handy and not knotted up in a storage locker? Who can help you as you are taking the wheel? What would you do first, second, and third? As female boaters, we often assume that the husband/boyfriend will always be in control. It takes a split second for this scenario to change quickly.
It is so important to understand how to control the boat in a situation that could be in reverse. How do you stop the boat (they don't have brakes)? What do you do to be sure those on board are safe and calm? Where is your throw, and when do you throw it? Most important! Have you identified a first mate when you departed—someone who will take over in the case of an emergency? It sounds funny… but I have been in more than one situation where I was relieved. My "mate" and that person either helped manage the kids on board or assisted in an emergency.
Although we are closing in on the end of the boating season, it is important not to lose our perspective on safety. Many of us will continue the season in the south with new friends who are new to boating. We will be visiting boat shows and on boats very unfamiliar. We could be visiting new ports and in docking situations/currents/waterways that are completely new. Ports of call may be different. Or we will be in a rush to load that boat for winter storage, forgetting to safety check trailers, lights, and tie-downs to pull out the last great sunny day. Mistakes could be made. Ladies, we can handle any of the above issues if we make ourselves familiar with how to handle a boat in an emergency. Upcoming articles will help all of us to be stronger boaters… and ready for any emergency.
In the meantime: Who is your first mate? Make sure they know and are ready for the job!
tags: Boating 101, Boating Safety
