Protecting People In The Water - Mercury 40/50 Series Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION

Protecting People in the Water

WHILE YOU ARE CRUISING
It is very difficult for a person standing or floating in the water to
take quick action to avoid a boat heading in his/her direction, even
at slow speed.
Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are
boating in an area where there might be people in the water.
Whenever a boat is moving (coasting) and the outboard gear shift
is in neutral position, there is sufficient force by the water on the
propeller to cause the propeller to rotate. This neutral propeller
rotation can cause serious injury.
WHILE BOAT IS STATIONARY
A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device attached
to the boat can cause serious injury or death to swimmers. Stop
the engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near
your boat.
Shift outboard into neutral and shut off the engine before allowing
people to swim or be in the water near your boat.
WARNING
!
17
21604