Four winns Vista 328 Owner's Manual page 31

• Make sure the passengers and gear do not
obstruct the operator’s view or impede his
ability to move.
• Do not exceed the maximum engine power
rating stated on the certification plate located
inside the boat.
C. Passenger Safety
Before getting underway, show all passengers where
emergency and safety equipment is stowed, and ex-
plain how to use it. Everyone aboard should wear rub-
ber-soled shoes which resist slipping on wet surfaces.
While underway, passengers should remain seated in-
side the deck rails and gates. Do not allow passengers
to drag their feet or hands in the water. Always use
handholds and other safety hardware to prevent falls.
All nonswimmers, poor swimmers and small children
should wear PFD’s at all times.
D. Propeller
Personal Injury!
Do not allow anyone near a propeller, even
when the engine is off. Propeller blades can
be sharp and continue to turn even after the
engine is shut off. Do not allow anyone near
the propeller when the throttle is in neutral po-
sition. Accidently engaging the shift can result
in a serious injury or death. (See actual ladder
warning labels and helm boarding ladder warn-
ing label below.)
Never approach or use ladder when motor is
running. Severe injury or death will result from
contact with rotating propeller.
Ladder Warning Label
Shut off motor when near swimmers. Severe
injury or death will result from contact with ro-
tating propeller.
Helm Boarding Ladder Warning Label
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When pulling skiers do not turn on the engine
until you are at least a boat length away. When
approaching a downed skier, turn off the en-
gine at least one boat length away before reach-
ing the skier in the water.
E. First Aid
As a boater, you should be familiar with the basic first
aid procedures that may be needed while you are out
far from help. Fish hook accidents or minor cuts and
abrasions may be the most serious mishaps on board
a boat but you should also learn the proper procedures
and be ready to deal with the truly serious problems
like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, excessive bleeding,
hypothermia, and burns. First aid literature and courses
are available through most Red Cross chapters.
F. Operation By Minors
Minors should always be supervised by an adult when-
ever operating a boat. Many states have laws regard-
ing the minimum age and licensing requirements of
minors. Be sure to check local laws or contact the state
boating authorities for information.
G. “Rules of the Road”
As a responsible boater, you must comply with the
“Rules of the Road,” the marine traffic laws enforced
by the U.S. Coast Guard. Navigating a boat is much
the same as driving an automobile. Operating either
one responsibly means complying with a set of rules
intended to prevent accidents. Just as you assume
other car drivers know what they are doing, other boat-
ers assume you know what you are doing. Information
regarding navigational rules and the “Rules of the Road”
are discussed in further detail in C-1 & C-2 of the next
section.
H. Voluntary Inspections
State boating officials in many states or the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliaries offer courtesy inspections to check
out your craft. They will check for compliance with safety
standards and required safety equipment. You may
voluntarily consent to one of these inspections, and you
are allowed to make corrections without prosecution.
Check with the appropriate state agency or the Coast
Guard Auxiliary for details.
Section B
Page 10