Have you ever heard about sailing instructors falling overboard and getting drowned during their lessons? If so, have you ever thought about why someone even falls overboard? We’ve conducted research on the topic and therefore have put together a comprehensive answer, which is our conclusion, in this article.
The US Coast Guard’s statistics on recreational boats show that there were about 4,168 boat accidents in 2019. Many were astounded to hear the report, but that is how important the issue is.
It is high time that we talk about the deadly incident and its various causes so that we can prevent at least a single person from falling overboard. While such accidents are considered rare, they are actually not.
So, how will you answer when you get asked, “What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard?” It is more likely to cause someone to fall overboard when they carelessly stand on a moving boat. When you are on a moving boat you can feel the swing, in fact, the boat will be in continuous motion, which is only based on the water beneath. If the water is calm, so the boat will be and if it is rough so is the boat.
If the information is new, then give us a moment so that we may explain to you the cause and the after-effects of falling overboard in detail.
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How Can Someone Possibly Fall Overboard?
Ships are generally built for a purpose, not to pose like the famous Titanic movie posters. You know how dangerous the waters can get. If you’re sailing on a small boat, then there is a 50% greater chance that when you stand up while the boat is in motion, you might end up waving along with the boat and might fall into the water due to lack of balance.
We stressed the “small” boat as the possibility of swaying as well as the probability of falling is higher in smaller boats when compared to the bigger ones.
If you know that boat accidents are ranked fifth when compared to the entire types of boat accidents, then you will automatically be pumped to learn more including the safety measures to observe while going on a sail.
But not everyone falls from small boats, and we’re also not asserting that nobody falls overboard from cruise ships. Well, such cases are rare, and when they happen, death is nearly certain.
In order for the person to get out alive, he must have been a professional swimmer. If not, there are the least possibilities for them to survive.
In such cases, the common causes are not standing while the boat is moving, instead, the reason to fall on gigantic boats is either carelessness, or they must have had more alcohol than their capacity which must have shut their conscience.
Reasons Why Someone Would Have To Stand In Moving Boats
We know that nobody should take the risk of standing in a moving boat, but still, some are ready to tackle the challenge. Is that because they’re not afraid or are they compelled to do that?
Anglers
we can’t complain when anglers stand on the edge of the boat, because all they are doing is their job. They are trying their best to earn them bread. Now you must be thinking why can’t they fight fish sitting, which is safe?
Well, the process of fishing is much easier when you stand and move your rod. Woefully, such antlers have fallen overboard several times leading the authorities to implement a new safety measure that requires the anglers to wear a certified PFD.
On television shows and channels like Discovery, we often see anglers wearing automatically inflammable safety jackets.
In the case of anglers, it is their job and we will have to respect that, but what are the other reasons why someone would potentially fall overboard?
Drunkards
If you are looking for a potential reason that can cause someone to fall overboard, then that could be the overconsumption of alcohol. Do we really have to tell you the side effects of excessive alcohol intake?
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A person who is intoxicated would lose control over their mind and therefore wouldn’t know what they’re doing or where they’re standing. No sane person would risk their own life except those who are forced or those who are idiots.
Due to a slippery deck
If the deck is slippery, there are high chances for you to fall off your boat even if you are 100% conscious. Such accidents are not mistakes but destiny and we can do nothing about that.
Due to carelessness
Other than these two reasons, if anyone has ever fallen overboard, then that will be because of their carelessness. Does anyone disagree?
People might stand on a moving boat to click random pictures that will put a show on their social media handles.
You better know that the sea and the land are like the north and south poles. They’re entirely different, and because of this universal fact, you should follow the thumb rule while sailing in the boat. That is, whether you are sitting or standing, you must always have one hand on the ship for balance.
How Can You Prevent Someone From Falling Overboard?
Can you believe that calmer waters are more dangerous than rough ones? Well, you heard it right. According to what the US Coast Guard claims, nearly 90% of boating accidents occur in calmer waters, which sounds quite strange.
Everyone, including us, might not take precautions while being in such areas, as we might not expect anything unfortunate to happen. But that is not always the case.
In short, be seated despite the situation unless it becomes necessary. However, what we can do to prevent falling overboard include;
- Even if the boat is standing still on the water, you can choose not to sit on the pedestal seating.
- Do not get on a boat that is overloaded.
- Whilst the vessel is still in motion, it is recommended not to go near the deck or stand there.
- Always check whether there is an emergency alert switch on the boat.
- Make sure to wear a life jacket.
- If you’re the driver, then turn the boat slowly to prevent passengers from falling overboard.
- Always make sure to have an eye on the weather forecast, and if the condition is not in favor, then cancel your trip.
What To Do When Someone Actually Falls Overboard?
There are several safety measures that you can possibly take, but if you ever happen to witness someone falling overboard and you are the boat driver, then switch off the engine and propeller immediately.
But should you wait for a second person to save the struggling passenger? Definitely not. Therefore, you can consider extending a helping hand to the sinking man, but what else can you do?
Throw a life jacket
Although it is mandatory for a passenger to always wear a safety jacket while on the boat, some may disobey and eventually fall overboard. However, it is not the time to talk about what the sinking man had done before falling. So, you should act instantly.
Call for help
If you don’t think you can save them, you should at least tell the authorities and warn the other people on the plane.
Track the person until he is saved
You should always track where the person is until the safety officials arrive. Especially, if the water is cold, you should ensure that they are conscious and alert.
What If It’s You Who’s Falling Overboard?
Have you ever imagined yourself being the victim? Do not simply panic, we are only imagining a scenario so that you can act bravely at that time. So, do you want to know what you should do and what you should not do in such situations?
Being a victim is way simpler than being the savior. You should simply stay calm on the water so that you can properly listen to the rescue team. Also, make sure to float, and do not even think of swimming if you’re not near the shore.
That way, you can save energy. However, what’s more, important is staying positive. You should be optimistic in such situations and not give up. It’s a matter of life, so you must be open to the rescue team.
