Capsizing

Most boating fatalities occur when conditions seem ideal, with calm waters, good visibility, and light winds. Smaller, open boats are especially susceptible to accidents as passengers can easily fall overboard, resulting in tragic outcomes. Furthermore, many fatalities are caused by boats capsizing, emphasizing the need for constant adherence to safety precautions.

Boat Capsizing

Boat capsizing refers to when a boat or ship is overturned in the water. It’s a dangerous situation that can lead to potential loss of life if not handled correctly. There are three main types of capsizing: beam-end (where the boat tips over to its side), stern-over-bow (where the stern flips over the bow), and broaching (where the boat is pushed sideways by waves or wind).

Common causes of capsizing include sudden turns, overloading, poor weight distribution, and environmental factors such as strong winds or large waves.

What to do if your boat capsizes

If your boat capsizes, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Stay calm: Panic can lead to poor decision-making.
2. Put on a life jacket: If not already worn, put on a life jacket immediately. This is your best chance of staying afloat.
3. Conduct a head count: Make sure everyone is accounted for.
4. Hold onto the boat: Hold onto it if it remains afloat. A capsized boat is easier to see than a person in the water.
5. Signal for help: Use flares, whistles, or other signaling devices to attract attention. If possible, use a radio or mobile device to call for help. Provide your location, the number of people involved, a description of your boat, and the nature of the distress.
6. Conserve energy: Begin to signal for help using equipment such as visual distress signals, horns, mirrors, etc.
7. Right the boat: If you can, turn the boat upright and bail it out. Once most of the water is out, climb back in. Or, if close to shore, just climb in the boat and paddle.
8. Begin bailing out the boat: Remove water from the boat after it has been righted and secured.
9. Help other passengers: Assist other passengers in climbing aboard if necessary.
10. Stay with the boat if possible: It is generally safer to stay with the boat rather than try to swim to shore, especially if you are more than 100 meters from shore.