Reacting To Emergencies - Four winns V458 Owner's Manual

D. Warning Markers
It is a good idea to find out about hazardous areas and
how they are marked by asking your local authorities.
• Boaters must also recognize the flag designs which
indicate that scuba divers are present and keep
well clear of the area.
• Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not be
marked. Steer clear from the area and always
remain alert.
• Distress flags indicate a fellow boater is in need
of assistance.
• Navigation markers serve as a means of identifying
navigable routes and indicate water hazards.
Boaters should become familiar with navigation
markers and stay within marked boundaries and
clear of hazards.
S - 10 REACTING TO EMERGENCIES
Be prepared to deal with emergencies before they
happen. Try to formulate a plan for each type of
emergency in advance so that decisions can be made
quickly and without hesitation. Precious moments lost
can mean the difference between losing and saving
a life.
A. Flooding
If your boat starts taking on water, activate the bilge
pump immediately. Make sure all passengers are
wearing their PFDs. Open the engine compartment,
look for the cause of the flooding. Check all hoses,
through hull fittings, seacocks and strainers. If flooding
occurs as a result of collision or grounding damage,
call for assistance and head for shore if possible.
B. Capsizing and Man Overboard
By far, the largest number of boating fatalities involve
capsizing and falling overboard accidents. By being
prepared ahead of time with an appropriate plan of
action, you can greatly lower your chances and your
passengers' chances of becoming seriously injured.
Pre-Launch and Underway - Section S
C. Capsizing
Wear PFDs or have them readily available at all times.
If your boat capsizes, and others were on board,
locate them and guide them to the safety of the hull.
Even if the boat floats in an upside-down position, stay
with it. The boat hull is much easier for rescuers to
spot than a human head sticking out of the water. DO
NOT attempt to swim ashore, it may be further than it
looks.
D. Man Overboard
Think through and follow these procedures if someone
in your boat falls overboard.
• Remember, every second counts, you must act
fast.
• Move throttles to idle position immediately and yell
"MAN OVERBOARD. "
• Throw some floating object overboard immedi-
ately. Keep your required Type IV PFD accessible
at all times for such an emergency.
• Keep the person in the water in sight at all times.
Have a passenger do nothing but watch the
person. Do not go into the water to help the victim.
One person in the water is enough trouble.
• Circle around quickly, approaching into the wind
and waves. When the person is alongside, put the
engine in neutral and throw them a Type IV PFD
with a line attached or extend a paddle or boat
hook within his/her reach.
E. Collision
If a serious collision occurs, you should first check the
condition of all passengers aboard, then inspect your
boat to determine the extent of damage.
1. Make sure all persons aboard are wearing their
PFDs.
2. If you need help and your boat has a ship-to-shore
radio, first contact the U. S. Coast Guard (VHF
Channel 16) or other rescue authorities immedi-
ately.
3. Prepare to assist the other vessel unless your
passengers and/or boat are in danger.
Owner's Manual Page 165