New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 75

REACH- If the victim is

International Distress Signals

able and is close enough
to shore or your boat, try to
guide him or her to swim to
safety. When the person is
near enough, try to reach
him or her with a pole,
ladder, stick or other long
item. Reaching for the victim
keeps you out of the water and out of harm's way.

THROW- Using the throw

method, you attempt to
rescue the victim from shore
or your boat by throwing a
line or floating object. After
safely anchoring yourself,
you can pull the victim to
safety without ever having to
enter the water yourself.

ROW- In this method you

use a boat to approach the
victim and help him or her
out of the water. Be careful,
or the victim may capsize
your boat! The victim may be
tired and probably will need
help getting on board your
boat. If you're thinking about
a row rescue, consider your boat's capacity-don't overload
your boat and put yourself at risk!

GO- This is the most dangerous method, and you should
only attempt it if there is
absolutely no other choice,
or if you are a trained
lifeguard. Enter the water
wearing your PFD and a
flotation device for the
victim to hang onto. Be
aware that when you make
personal contact with the
victim, he or she may panic,
grasp at you, and drag you under the water. Be prepared for
this. Push the PFD toward the person, tell them to grasp it
and tow the person in.

is sitting unusually low in the water. A sailboat may have its
mast or boom down. Perhaps there are people jumping up
and down, waving their arms or towels, clothing, PFDs, or
bed sheets. Passengers may be yelling to attract attention.
Sail closer to investigate any behavior that seems unusual
to determine whether the other boat needs help.

Man Overboard Rescue Sequence
If you ever need to help someone in the water, whether
you're in a boat or on shore, remember this rescue
sequence: Reach, Throw, Row, Go. The idea behind the
rescue sequence is to keep the rescuers out of the water
if possible because once another person enters the water,
the situation becomes much more dangerous. Not only is
another person exposed to potentially dangerous currents,
waves, and boat traffic, but the victim may panic and
prevent the rescuer from helping him or her. Sometimes
victims accidently drown their rescuers! Always try other
methods before entering the water to attempt a rescue.

Don't underestimate the effort that swimming to safety with
the victim will require. If you're unsure that you'll be able to
make it, don't attempt it!

Accidents-Prevention and Response
You can prevent many accidents if you communicate with
your passengers. Before you allow passengers on your
boat, explain your rules. Before you cast off, show them
where you keep your safety equipment, and make sure
they know how to use it. Find out if any of your passengers
have any knowledge of first aid procedures. Well informed
and well-behaved passengers help ensure a safe voyage.
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