Boating Tips - How to Rescue A Man Overboard
How to Rescue A Man Overboard
- Yell "Man overboard!" immediately to alert other crew members that someone has fallen overboard.
- Throw the swimmer a life preserver, tossing it underhand, which will make it go farther.
- Stop the boat, check your headings and turn the boat around 180 degrees from your original heading.
- Select one person to keep the swimmer in sight at all times; if you're steering the boat, make sure another crew member is keeping watch. If the swimmer disappears from sight, radio or call for help.
- Approach the swimmer so that he or she is upwind of the boat. Position the boat into the wind to allow for better steering control.
- Tie a rope in a loop and fasten it to a secure railing, or have a crew member hold onto one end if there isn't time.
- Throw the rope to the swimmer when the boat is close enough, and have the victim position the loop under his or her armpits.
- Pull the swimmer to the side of the boat, and work with other crew members to heft the swimmer up.
- Send a rescuer into the water only as a last resort, making sure the rescuer is wearing a flotation device and, if possible, secured to the boat by a line.
Tips:
- If the victim is unconscious or having difficulty, steer the boat as close to the victim as possible, reach down and position a boat hook under his or her armpits, and pull up.
- The U.S. Coast Guard offers boating safety classes, which include man overboard survival tips. Contact 1-800-368-5647 for details.
- Practice this save frequently. Rehearsing the situation with the entire crew can make all the difference in a rescue.
Warnings:
- Backing up a boat in a rescue instead of turning it around could injure the swimmer.
- Avoid pulling the swimmer aboard at the back end of the boat, which slams into the water and could injure the swimmer.