If you are on a boat and it capsizes, the first thing to do is to remain calm. This will help keep your head clear. so that you can think clearer than if you were panicking. Next, check for other people. If you are the only person on the boat, then pull out your emergency kit and use it to signal for help. If there’s someone else around, see if they’re okay before you begin trying anything else.
Contents
Why Boat Capsized?
The first important question that you need to ask yourself is why your boat capsized. This can be a very difficult question to answer, as there are many different reasons that your boat could have capsized. It may have been caused by a wave, a gust of wind, or even an unexpected weight on the boat. If you were going downwind and you turned upwind, then it is likely that your boat capsized because of the sudden change in wind direction.
Another reason a boat will capsize is when too much cargo is placed in one area. The cargo’s weight will push the boat so low in the water that it will be unstable and likely flip over when waves hit from different directions or if a strong gust blows. If you’re not careful about where you place your items, you can easily create a tipping point. Learn how to avoid overloading your boat
What Should I Do If My Boat Capsizes
There are number of things to do if your boat capsizes, these are:
Do not panic
The first thing you should do is to never panic if your boat capsizes. If you are a good swimmer, you should swim towards the shore. However, if you cannot swim, grab a life jacket and hold on to it tightly while floating on top of the water. If your boat is still upright, use it as a shield from the waves to prevent your head from being hit by them. In addition, stay calm and don’t give up hope.
Keep head above water
Hold your breath! You’ll find that it’s easier to stay afloat once you have the air in your lungs. Once you have caught your breath, try to grab onto something. Reach out with one hand and use the other to stabilize yourself on the object. Keep kicking your legs while trying to get a good grip so that your body is vertical. Now, try to slowly get back into the boat by facing towards the boat’s front edge.
Remove any clothing that is wet or restricting movement
When your boat capsizes you will want to remove any wet or restricting clothing, because this could make it difficult to swim to shore. You may not have time for this during an emergency, but you should take care of yourself after the emergency is over. It is best to keep your clothes on if they are not wet or restrictive. If your clothes are wet or restrict movement, you should remove them immediately.
Reach for anything that floats
The risk of capsizing is dramatically increased as the water becomes rougher and rougher. Your boat might start to tilt or your paddle could fly out of your hands and into the water. As you reach for anything that floats, note that not everything is buoyant and will stay afloat like a life jacket. For example, foam noodles and rubber lumps aren’t safe options because they won’t provide any protection in case you get knocked unconscious. Instead, look around for something with some weight on it such as an oarlock, a piece of wood, or even a rock. If there isn’t anything floating nearby, then grab onto one of the sides of the boat.
Call for help
Your first instinct might be to panic. But fear can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to think clearly. Remain calm and call for help as soon as possible. If the boat is overturned or capsized, stay with the boat as long as possible. It will provide a surface for you to float on, and it will also prevent you from being swept away by currents if there are any nearby. You may need to use an oar to keep yourself afloat until rescuers arrive.
How To Signal For Help
If your boat capsizes, one way is to blast the horn continuously. Be sure not to stop until help arrives. Another way is to create a large SOS sign with anything at hand when there is no other material available. If you happen to be wearing a life jacket, use it as well. You can also use your rescue flare or flare gun in this situation.
Read: What Should You Do To Avoid Colliding With Another Boat?
Conclusion
The conclusion of the article informs the reader that if their boat capsizes, they should swim to the nearest shore. They must also avoid swimming with even one hand held up due to the risk of exhaustion and hypothermia. Once on land, they should build a fire until help arrives.