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surfaces. While underway, passengers should remain
seated inside the deck rails and gates. Do not allow
passengers to drag their feet or hands in the water.
Always use hand holds and other safety hardware to
prevent falls. All non swimmers, poor swimmers and
small children should wear PFDs 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 posi-
tion. 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 rotat-
ing propeller.
Helm Boarding Ladder Warning Label
When pulling skiers do not turn on the engine
until you are at least a boat length away from
the person in the water. When approaching a
downed skier, turn off the engine at least one
boat length away before reaching 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
Boating Safety - Section B
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
whenever operating a boat. Many states have laws re-
garding 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 US 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
boaters assume you know what you are doing. Infor-
mation 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 US 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.
I.
Safe Boating Courses
The local US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US
Power Squadrons offer comprehensive safe boating
classes several times a year. You may contact the
Boat/U.S. Foundation at 1-800-336-BOAT (2628) for
a course scheduled in your area. Also contact the US
Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron Flotilla for
the time and place of their next scheduled class.
Owner's Manual Page 38
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