Reacting To Emergencies - Glastron Boats User Manual

If the boat is not taking on any water, it may be possible to
rock the boat by shifting the weight of the passengers and
gear and by raising the drive unit while reversing the
engine.
If you ground your boat on a sand bar, shut down the
engine and seek help from another boater or radio for
help. See your dealer as soon as possible, as sand ingest-
ed in the engine cooling system can cause major engine
damage.
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.

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 with-
out hesitation. Precious moments lost can mean the
difference between losing and saving a life.
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, sea-
cocks and strainers. If flooding occurs as a result of
collision or grounding damage, call for assistance and
head for shore if possible.
Capsizing and Man Overboard
By far, the largest number of boating fatalities involve cap-
sizing 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.
Capsizing
Wear PFD's 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.
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."
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