Go around again.
Look out divers about.Make sure you keep a good lookout for snorkellers, spearfishers, divers and swimmers.
Simultaneously, you should shift to neutral to stop the propeller from spinning.Coast accident statistics show that capsizing and falls overboard are the leading causes of recreational boating fatalities.
The best action, however, is for skippers to take care, keep a proper lookout at all times and keep people out of the 'hazard zone'. A typical recreational boat propeller can travel from head to toe on an average person in less than one-tenth of a second.
A kill switch lanyard is attached to the arm, or securely to your clothing or lifejacket, and stops the engine when pulled out.
Turn your engines off, and then bring the person to safety.
If the lanyard is removed from the switch, the engine will shut off.Assign a passenger to keep watch around your boat’s propeller area when people are in the water.Consider purchasing propeller safety devices for your boat.Before starting your boat, walk to the stern and look in the water to make certain no one is near your propeller (people near the propeller may not be visible from the helm).Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engines are on or idling (your propeller may continue to spin).Educate passengers about the location and danger of the propellers.Call attention to and discuss any propeller warning labels around your boat.Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.Take extra precautions near boats that are towing skiers or tubers.Never permit passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seatbacks, or other locations where they might fall overboard.Children should be watched carefully while on board.Establish clear rules for swim platform use, boarding ladders and seating. This page contains safety guidelines designed to avoid the risk of serious injury from spinning boat propellers.
The primary cause of propeller strike accidents is operator inattention or carelessness. A typical recreational boat propeller can travel from head to toe on an average person in less than one-tenth of a second.
Skippers …
Make … ).If someone falls overboard, stop. Propellers should not be spinning when a passenger is in a vulnerable situation. Propeller-related injuries are preventable and the skipper should take precautions to ensure the safety of all on board.Skippers should consider the area around the propeller as a 'hazard zone', being vigilant to ensure that no part of any person comes near a spinning propeller. If you should capsize, it may be safer to stay with the floating boat than try to swim to shore.Whoever first sees or hears someone go overboard should shout "crew overboard (port or starboard)." In congested areas, always be alert for swimmers and divers. If you have a “crew overboard” event, you should immediately turn toward the person in the water in order to push the stern in the opposite direction. Never start a boat with the engine in gear.
Take America’s Boating Course today.Like driving a vehicle without a tow, learning to tow a boat trailer becomes intuitive with practice.The clove hitch is excellent for temporary attachments.Good navigators rely on GPS as well as charts to get to where they want to go.Learn how to prevent a man overboard and how to retrieve a person in the water.You can prevent a grounding by studying charts and using a depth sounder.The cleat hitch can be used to tie your boat to a dock or a mooring ball.Sign up for monthly boating articles, videos, tips and advice.Make a hurricane plan before season starts.Wear your engine cut-off switch lanyard and your life jacket at all times.
If you have a “crew overboard” …
Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding or disembarking. Out of sight, out of mind might best describe a very serious hidden danger in boating. Propeller-related injuries are preventable and the skipper should take precautions to ensure the safety of all on board. Never reverse your boat to pick up someone out of the water.
Keep all arms and legs inside the boat and not over the bow or sides,'Bowriding' and 'teak surfing', holding onto the stern of a boat that is underway, are illegal.Wear a kill switch lanyard whenever driving a vessel under power. Become familiar with the red flag with a white diagonal …
Fortunately, propeller strikes can be prevented. That hidden danger is the boat engine propeller ("propeller strike"). If used properly, propeller safety equipment—such as a ‘propeller guard’, which … A strike from a propeller can cause serious injury or even death. A strike from a propeller can cause serious injury or even death. This person should become the spotter and continually point to the person in the water unt,Online Boating License & Boaters Safety Course,That hidden danger is the boat engine propeller ("propeller strike").Do not allow passengers to stand, sit on the transom, gunwales, seatbacks or bow while underway.Do not operate within close proximity to people in the water.
Props are underwater objects that spin quickly and force your boat through the water. Fortunately, propeller strikes can be prevented.A variety of devices are available to help prevent propeller strikes:Learn the basics so you can boat with confidence and have more fun on the water. Contact with a propeller can cause devastating injuries or in some cases, even death. Your boat’s propeller (also known as the ‘prop’) is a dangerous piece of equipment for swimmers and towed sport participants.
Never ride on a seat back, gunwale, transom, or bow. Propeller Safety Equipment. Attach a fluorescent yellow/green flag below Alpha for increased visibility.Inspect the area near the stern to ensure the area is all clear before starting the engine,Turn the engine off near people in the water as some propellers may continue to spin, even in neutral,Keep a proper lookout at all times when underway, especially when near swimmers, divers or other people in the water,Observe 'distance off' rules and keep clear of people in the water, passive craft and other vessels,Brief any person driving the powerboat on the risks