143035_DBW Course_r3

Chapter 5 X Accident Prevention and Rescue

Rescue ƒ If a collision happens, people may have fallen overboard or your vessel may be capsized or severely disabled. Take needed actions that are outlined under Capsizing or Sinking on page 107 and Passenger Overboard on page 112. ƒ If you’re not involved in the collision, or if your vessel is not seriously damaged, you should stand by to offer help. ƒ If you need further help, use a radio or signaling device to call for help. ƒ Be sure to warn other boats when people, debris or flammable liquids are in the water. Case Study An inexperienced personal watercraft operator, Jill (on her second trip) was riding alongside a friend on another personal watercraft. Her friend Bill was slightly ahead of her when he suddenly slowed down. She let off the throttle, trying to slow down, but instead lost control of her craft. She slid sideways into Bill. He sustained a fractured spinal cord and was paralyzed from the waist down. He also had serious head and chest injuries. Jill was thrown into the water. The fall left her unconscious, but her life jacket kept her afloat. Questions: 1. Identify the mistakes that Jill and Bill made and the proper actions they could have taken. 2. What could these people have done differently to prevent this accident? 3. What steps could you take to rescue the victims and/or make the situation better?

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California Course for Safe Boating